ARCHITECTURE/ATMOSPHERE
1. The biggest problem with the library (Regenstein) is its
atmosphere. I hate the individual study carrels, which probably
make up a majority of the study space. The ceilings with exposed
piping make it worse. The tables and sofa chairs are too few, but
it was definitely the right decision to put sofa chairs by the
windows. It's really sad that the architecture eliminates so much
of the natural light that we could have in the library. I hope the
addition to the library will not repeat this terrible mistake. If
the stacks are shifted into the addition, I hope the designers will
have the foresight to build large windows and create comfortable,
welcoming study spaces along the windows.I would also like to see
the library make more of an effort to reduce its environmental
impact. Most important is to design the new addition as a green
building. The availability of double-sided printing at cheaper
prices than single-sided throughout the library would be one
improvement. More publicity for the one double-sided printer in the
library and for the option of double-sided copying (which should
also be cheaper) would also be nice.More recycling bins, lights in
the stacks set on timers, and making sure that heating/cooling
systems are as efficient as possible are other ideas. And to make
the library friendlier to bicyclists,the 10-20 abandoned bicycles
forever taking up some of the best spots in the bike racks should
be removed.
2. But the physical building of Regenstein (where most graduate
students are condemned to spend most of their UC lives) and the
environment it creates internally is far and above the single worst
thing about the University of Chicago. The massive concrete slabs
seemingly suspended in the air but braced of course by steel, etc.,
creates an utterly depressing, soul-destroying (not to mention
disgustingly ugly) space, which combines with the 9 months of pale,
biting winter to make any graduate student seriously consider
transferring to comparable programs, but with more
humanly-compatible central campus libraries, on an almost weekly
basis. Seriously. I know that it would cost millions of dollars and
many years, but demolishing the architectural monstrosity would be
the single greatest improvement to the U. of C. possible.
3. but the atmosphere is bleak and ghastly to work in. Is there
anything that can be done to make the library a more inviting place
to work?
4. The Reg is not a very attractive or comfortable place to study,
particularly when compared with the libraries of peer institutions.
Hence the popularity of the Harold Washington Librarary, Newberry
Library, and northside cafes. I use the library's electronic
resource quite a lot; print holdings are very good (aside from the
refusal, too often, to re-order recent popular titles that go
missing); ILL is an excellent service. I just don't like spending a
lot of time studying there because of the ugly, corporate
office-like interior.
5. Regenstein Library could have better interiors, but I use the
library every day. I spend more time in Regenstein than anywhere
else on campus, so comfort is key.
6. I think there should be a nice reading space available.
Regenstein is ugly, the lighting is too bright, the heat is often
not warm enough or too warm,
7. so woud nice architecture
8. The layout of the Regenstein study space makes it look like an
institution--in my experience people prefer open desk areas to
those horrendous cubicles. The lighting is awful (and creates a
awfully irritating buzzing sound), the temperature is never
consistent, there's a complete lack of power outlets, and wireless
connectivity is unreliable. It's a place I dread going to work
at.The Regenstein is a depressing building in which I hate spending
time.
9. I also never study in the Reg because it is not only depressing
but also makes me sleepy, so I have never been able to get work
done on the few occassions I tried doing it in the library
10. however, it is not a comfortable place to study.
11. In general, the library is cold and uninviting.
12. The atmosphere at the Regenstein is very oppressive and not
very conducive to studying.
13. My main concern with the libraries is that they are quite
disinviting for study. There is nothing comforable about them. I
find them sterile. And I am refering only to Crerar and The Reg. I
can't speak for the others because I do not use them.
14. Also, I think there can be a more comfortable atmosphere that
fosters a sense of look around, pick something, and READ. As it
stands, the Reg is a very unwelcoming place and not a very
comfortable one at that.
15. I never, NEVER study in the library b/c it is so,
extraordinarily unpleasant.
16. I THINK IT IS REALLY UNFAIR THAT THE ISSUE OF SPACE IS NOT EVEN
MENTIONED IN THIS SURVEY. YOU FOCUS ON QUESTIONS THAT ARE ABOUT
EMPLOYEES IN A LIBRARY WHERE THE WHOLE STAFF IS JUST BRILIANT. THE
ONLY THING YOU MENTIONED ABOUT INFRUSTRUCTURE IS ABOUT COMPUTERS
AND ELECTRONIC THINGS, WHICH IS NOT THE MAJOR PROBLEM
17. The biggest problem at the Reg. is that the building is sick. I
think the HVAC system, despite being under renovation is hopeless!
There isn't enough air circulation and not enough natural light. I
think it would be best to open up an atrium in the center of the
building (where the stairs are between the third and second level
reading rooms. I wouldn't be surprised if the mold spores and other
markers of indoor air quality are quite high. I feel sick if I'm in
the library for longer than one hour and I iknow that that is true
many patrons, and staff members.
18. Although I think Regenstein is basically an architectural
abomination, far from a space that inspires study and learning, as
the survey puts it,
19. atmostphere in the Regenstein Library to be dismal and
depressing
20. My main complaint, as always, is with the feel of the space:
Regenstein is not a beautiful or inspiring place to work
21. Generally speaking, all library buildings (except for Harper)
in Chicago are ugly enough to ruin our originality and
imagination.
22. The layout of the Regenstein study space makes it look like an
institution--in my experience people prefer open desk areas to
those horrendous cubicles.
23. It also has terrible temperature control. I have heard nothing
but complaints about the atmosphere. I have friends who go to far
worse law schools yet have much better study facilities.
24. The law library is a disgrace - poorly lit, extremely
uncomfortable chairs, very cramped and ugly.
SUGGESTIONS
25. What needs improvement are the facilities. Its remains a tough
place to work: lighting, (seats are finally fixed, five years too
late), outlets, air quality, noise levels, study areas, food,
number of computers, ease of online databases, etc. Small gestures
towards improving the experience of working in the library would go
a long way.
26. Also, Crerar might benefit from brighter colors and a slightly
more cozy area.
27. I think the library REALLY needs better lighting and working
water fountains
28. Please, repair the defunct water fountains.
29. The clocks in the reading areas are often off--especially the
one in the southern part of the reading area on the third floor. I
would change it, and not bother you about it, but above the
cubicles so I cannot reach it.
30. Also this is a seemingly small thing, but those auto-flush
toilets don't work and either get backed up or flush four times
while you're in there. The fact that they haven't been fixed, along
with the drawn-out noise, seems like a sign that people don't care
about the library as much as they should.
31. A few of the elevators in Crerar and the Reg seem to be
groaning and making death rattles. Their inspection certs are
pretty out of date. Might be time to call the elevator inspector,
or at least get out the WD-40.
32. Also, the library needs many more large-capacity staplers. As
far as I know there is only one in the regenstein, in the Mac Lab.
Staplers are not hard to get, there ought to be 2 on every
floor.
Return to TOC
1. The renovations are making the Reg more inviting
inside--especially evening out the floors in the reading rooms (a
small thing that makes a huge difference).
2. Crerar has a spacious and subdued atmosphere that is just
right.
3. I like how quiet Crerar is and how much light comes in to the
building.
4. Although I have to go to Regenstein occasionally to get research
materials, I prefer to check them out and actually study in Crerar
because it is such a drastically more plesant atmosphere.
5. Regarding Crerar library, some students think it needs a more
comfortable environment because it is 'too sterile.' I would
disagree.
6. The Crerar libray is an incredibly inviting place for study and
research. The environment is lovely, and the spaces provided are
incredible.
7. I like Crear because it is extremely quiet and a nice
workspace.
8. I love love love Harper library-it is such a great escape from
the Medical Complex as well as the speed of modern life. I like the
peace and quiet, the architecture, and the integrity of the
space.
Return to TOC