Spotlight
Library Upgrade
| Office of the Provost
A major upgrade to the USF Library welcomed students in the fall.
The just-completed transformation includes a second-floor collaborative learning lab with more than 300 computer workstations, new study spaces and research offices. To accommodate students' schedules, the newly renovated space is open 24 hours a day, five days a week.
Libraries Dean Bill Garrison says the transformation, which complements already popular Learning Commons, is just what students ordered.
"Students have told us many times that what they want most, more than anything, is convenient study spaces available on their schedule. This project includes a high-tech expansion of our Learning Commons that meets their expressed need 24 hours a day."
It isn't just the library's second floor that got attention over the summer.
The main floor lobby area now includes a new "Jobs Hub," where students can readily access information and resources for finding a job on campus or in the surrounding community. There's also a "Career Corner" in the nearby Starbucks stocked with useful information on career options.
Outside the library, along the building's south facade, there's a new urban park that will provide additional social and green space on campus.
Sandy Lovins, vice president for administrative services, credits USF's "firm, straightforward stand on student success" with prompting campus changes that not only affect academic programming, but additionally become points of pride and tools for student recruitment.
"Survey after survey shows students want a campus that they can be proud of, one that provides environmentally friendly places to study, meet with friends or just unwind. Our students drive the changes we make on campus, whether it's indoor or outdoor space. They are our number one top customer."