Digital Disparity Devastates Library
The Learning Commons is in need of a revamp as the building’s amenities fall behind its STEM counterparts
The moment the heavy, iron-clad doors of the Santa Clara University library finally finish creeping open, students and potential prospects are met with dull shades of dark brown, busy gray-black striped carpet and worn-out chairs. The long corridor on the first floor leads to multiple desktop computers, usually occupied by strange adults and stressed students.
Clearly overrun and overused, the Learning Common’s furniture and technology are obsolete, especially in the shadow of the newly built Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation (SCDI) next door.
For many students at Santa Clara, the library simply feels outdated, a standing relic even at just 15 years old. Though technological progress was on the rise when it was built in 2008, significant advances since then have made the weathered desktop computers and lack of modern design all too obvious.
“I’ve never used the desktops in the library. I honestly haven’t used a desktop computer since elementary school,” junior chemistry major Gabi Wisnovsky said. “Having access to newer technology like tablets or even laptops would be more helpful in the library.”
At the time the library opened its doors, the world was just starting to get its hands on smartphones, with Blackberry and Nokia being major players in the market. Artificial intelligence and machine learning were not as advanced as they are today. Virtual and augmented reality were in their infancy, with very few products on the market. The library should implement these relevant technologies into its offerings and allow students to gain familiarity with tools that will help them advance their knowledge.
In comparison, SCDI is one of the largest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) buildings in the nation. It boasts bright spaces and the highest quality of lab equipment. The $300M facility is stocked with the latest technological resources, such as a 3-D printer, virtual reality equipment and robotic systems that allow students to develop their ideas and gain exposure to the latest equipment in the field.
The building’s collaborative learning spaces are falling behind many others on campus, though the use of library study rooms is integral to the college experience. The university library has approximately 1,200 seats available for students, including the movable lounge furniture, outdoor seating and café area. Students typically struggle to find adequate seating amongst their almost 9,000 Bronco peers and non-affiliated community members who also utilize the space.
In total, the space spans 194,000 square feet on four levels with just three video recording rooms and one traditional reading room. There are 200 computers and 25 collaborative workrooms. By contrast, SCDI is a 270,000-square-foot building featuring more than 1,400 seats for students in a variety of settings such as classrooms, labs and study spaces. While both the library and SCDI are advertised as common spaces for students, the library is overrun while SCDI is often only filled with STEM majors.
“It’s clear to me that the school allocates more resources to the science and engineering programs compared to other departments or even the general student body,” said junior communication major Mia Villanueva. “Why are there three different science buildings with complex lab equipment but not enough study rooms for students who use the library? I wish they allocated more resources to make the library a modern space with the appropriate resources for all SCU students.”
Santa Clara’s website brags that the Learning Commons is an inspiring area for research, collaboration and reflection. In reality, it lacks adequate resources, let alone the necessary space for students to book a study room. As the hub for learning and research, it is essential that the library provides workspaces and interactive technology that are necessary for learning in the 21st century. Modernizing the library will not only enhance the learning experience for students but also attract more students to Santa Clara and help the university remain competitive.
As students continue to explore and innovate, they require resources that match their level of ambition. With the groundbreaking technology that is available, Santa Clara must encourage students from all disciplines to develop their ideas–the library should be functioning as the center of innovation on campus. From the painfully slow WiFi to the search for sufficient seating, the library lacks the space and resources to accommodate the needs of today's students.
References:
Gabi Wisnovsky (541)531-9461
Mia Villanueva (415)847-8648