Jesse Rogers | Contributor
As I write this column, the university’s appropriation bill for the upcoming two years is still before a joint House and Senate conference committee, along with those of the other 37 senior public universities in Texas. MSU’s proposed budget includes something known as a Major Project (MP) request. While the legislature has already cut the MP’s of some universities, Midwestern’s request for $30 million to renovate Moffett Library remains intact. If the request passes, we will take Moffett back to steel beams, reconfigure the space and install new infrastructure consistent with the ways in which university libraries serve students in the 21st century. Some of the changes we hope to make are these.
- A new electrical system that will include wireless connections throughout the building to enable students to use personal electronic devices to search data bases and retrieve information.
- Additional computers and new computer stations.
- Additional study carrels, including single-occupant carrels and those for study groups.
- A coffee bar.
- New lighting.
- The possibility of raising of the ceilings. Light, bright and open make modern libraries places that students want to enter, and we will try to achieve this effect with better lighting and higher ceilings, provided the latter is feasible. In any case, we will replace the stained ceiling tiles and address water leaks throughout the building.
- Improved air quality with installation of a new AC and heating system. The new systems also will increase energy efficiency and help to reduce operating costs.
- Bathrooms remodeled and enlarged.
- Improved access to second and third floors.
- Elevators ADA accessible.
- Reopening original entrance to library. The change will improve the aesthetics of the building and be consistent with our goal of creating a light, bright, open feeling and a positive initial impression.
In the process of redesigning the space, we will reduce significantly the number of hard-copy journals held by the university and replace them with online versions. As a consequence, the new library will require less space than before. A new, more compact library will free space that can be used for new purposes. Under consideration are
- An area for one-stop registration for students who choose to register on-site. Students will be able to make payments and remove holds and blocks on registration in the same area.
- New brighter, lighter, more commodious offices for Financial Aid and Admissions.
- A Visitors Center for prospective students and their families. MSU currently has no such facility.
If the request is approved, a great deal of planning will be required. I am hopeful that we may, in fact, receive funding for this long overdue project. If we do, it will be good for students and good for the university.