Comments for Our New Library http://newlibrary.gmu.edu Building a New Fenwick Library at George Mason University Mon, 23 Nov 2009 20:31:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 hourly 1 Comment on Open Forums for University Community by AC http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-1176 AC Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:30:18 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30#comment-1176 I agree with the comments about a 24 HR designated area for study. Actually, another large room or even building devoted to just study tables (for groups and individual) and plenty of outlet access would be great. This new large study room or building can even be split by a glass wall, or whatever, in two: strictly silent studying, and moderate volume studying (for group studying, akin to JC's 2nd and 3rd group tables). I just feel we need an accessible studying zone that's open 24 hours. JC's study areas get loud and cramped and plus, the wireless there is very unreliable at peak times. As B. Tingent has stated, the 24HR availability is critical. Wishful thinking: a room with hammocks and futons for taking naps during studying binges. University of Hawaii does this. I know we're in a place nothing like Hawaii, but the idea is still cool. I've slept on Mason carpets before - it hurts. I agree with the comments about a 24 HR designated area for study. Actually, another large room or even building devoted to just study tables (for groups and individual) and plenty of outlet access would be great. This new large study room or building can even be split by a glass wall, or whatever, in two: strictly silent studying, and moderate volume studying (for group studying, akin to JC’s 2nd and 3rd group tables). I just feel we need an accessible studying zone that’s open 24 hours. JC’s study areas get loud and cramped and plus, the wireless there is very unreliable at peak times. As B. Tingent has stated, the 24HR availability is critical.

Wishful thinking: a room with hammocks and futons for taking naps during studying binges. University of Hawaii does this. I know we’re in a place nothing like Hawaii, but the idea is still cool. I’ve slept on Mason carpets before - it hurts.

]]> Comment on Open Forums for University Community by C Stockel http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-1040 C Stockel Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:46:32 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30#comment-1040 I have to disagree with Paul - Mason's Administration worked hard for years to line up the resources to secure the much needed development and enhancements at its main campus. If the economy is in a rough patch - why stop the construction and all the jobs it creates?? Your point makes no sense. I like the modern - neo-colonial designs at the Fairfax campus. The new buildings are airy and bright and look professional. They have managed to implement curves and columns in the buildings - I think the fact they are taking the time to get input from all the stakeholders is great. The library will be a capital building on the campus and will fit in with the overall master plan for the Fairfax campus. I think the design should include adequate quiet study space, computer labs as well as sufficient storage for the stacks and library collections that will be housed in the new building. I look forward to see what the architects come up with. I have to disagree with Paul - Mason’s Administration worked hard for years to line up the resources to secure the much needed development and enhancements at its main campus. If the economy is in a rough patch - why stop the construction and all the jobs it creates?? Your point makes no sense.

I like the modern - neo-colonial designs at the Fairfax campus. The new buildings are airy and bright and look professional. They have managed to implement curves and columns in the buildings - I think the fact they are taking the time to get input from all the stakeholders is great. The library will be a capital building on the campus and will fit in with the overall master plan for the Fairfax campus.

I think the design should include adequate quiet study space, computer labs as well as sufficient storage for the stacks and library collections that will be housed in the new building.

I look forward to see what the architects come up with.

]]> Comment on Open Forums for University Community by Brandt Tingen http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-1026 Brandt Tingen Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:51:15 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30#comment-1026 OPEN 24 HOURS!!! A University is not a University without a 24 Hour Library!! I don't really care how big it is, what it looks like or if it isn't perfect, but I would like to be able to study and concentrate on my school work on my own schedule. I believe I have paid for that much, as for the rest I am sure there is a team of fully capable professionals that understand how big, self-sufficient and well designed it should be(though I do kind of like the professional feel that there is in there right now) Just please, 24 HOURS!!! OPEN 24 HOURS!!!
A University is not a University without a 24 Hour Library!!

I don’t really care how big it is, what it looks like or if it isn’t perfect, but I would like to be able to study and concentrate on my school work on my own schedule. I believe I have paid for that much, as for the rest I am sure there is a team of fully capable professionals that understand how big, self-sufficient and well designed it should be(though I do kind of like the professional feel that there is in there right now)

Just please, 24 HOURS!!!

]]> Comment on Open Forums for University Community by Rachael Graham http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-437 Rachael Graham Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:34:06 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30#comment-437 A green roof is a great idea! If it was designed so that students could go up there to study, I would actually start using the Fenwick library. As it is now, it's too dreary and dark to study in (obviously, I don't speak for everyone). Whenever I have to get a book, I always go to the JC library first, with hope it carries the book. If the book is kept in Fenwick, I take a deep breath, say good-bye to the beautiful, big windows of the JC library, and run in and out of Fenwick as soon as possible. I prefer to study in the JC at its noisiest than in Fenwick, as it is now. So I guess what I'm saying is: windows, light, fresh air, and maybe some color. Also, it'd be great if there was a way to print Word documents on a library computer. Maybe it's just low-tech me, but I can never open word documents in my email and print them at the library. Also, a small cafe or coffee bar would be amazing! A green roof is a great idea! If it was designed so that students could go up there to study, I would actually start using the Fenwick library. As it is now, it’s too dreary and dark to study in (obviously, I don’t speak for everyone). Whenever I have to get a book, I always go to the JC library first, with hope it carries the book. If the book is kept in Fenwick, I take a deep breath, say good-bye to the beautiful, big windows of the JC library, and run in and out of Fenwick as soon as possible. I prefer to study in the JC at its noisiest than in Fenwick, as it is now. So I guess what I’m saying is: windows, light, fresh air, and maybe some color.

Also, it’d be great if there was a way to print Word documents on a library computer. Maybe it’s just low-tech me, but I can never open word documents in my email and print them at the library.

Also, a small cafe or coffee bar would be amazing!

]]> Comment on Undergraduate students by kelsey http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?page_id=39&cpage=1#comment-267 kelsey Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:04:02 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?page_id=39#comment-267 I think we need a 24hour quite place to study. The library isn't open long enough, and the JC is too loud to actually get work done. Also more tables, because most people study in groups or what not and there are never any tables to use to study, and when there are tables there aren't always outlets for computers. I think we need a 24hour quite place to study. The library isn’t open long enough, and the JC is too loud to actually get work done. Also more tables, because most people study in groups or what not and there are never any tables to use to study, and when there are tables there aren’t always outlets for computers.

]]> Comment on Planning Starts for Expanded Fenwick Library by C Stockel http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=1&cpage=1#comment-255 C Stockel Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:15:37 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=1#comment-255 The Fenwick Project provides the University a great opportunity to create a landmark building on the Fairfax campus and provide much needed study, research, and archival space. The building should be architectually striking as it will be a centerpiece of the campus. You cannot be over-bold on this one. As a an alumni of Mason (undergrad and grad) I think study rooms are a critical need. In addition, significant facilities are needed for archival of important and historical documents. The design should incorporate a lot of Open Space and unique architectural and landscaping features. Regards, C. Stockel BS 1991, MS 2003 SOM and SITE The George Mason University The Fenwick Project provides the University a great opportunity to create a landmark building on the Fairfax campus and provide much needed study, research, and archival space. The building should be architectually striking as it will be a centerpiece of the campus. You cannot be over-bold on this one.

As a an alumni of Mason (undergrad and grad) I think study rooms are a critical need. In addition, significant facilities are needed for archival of important and historical documents. The design should incorporate a lot of Open Space and unique architectural and landscaping features.

Regards,
C. Stockel
BS 1991, MS 2003
SOM and SITE
The George Mason University

]]> Comment on Open Forums for University Community by Jose Gayoso http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-240 Jose Gayoso Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:09:22 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30#comment-240 I agree with Justin's comments, and would like to add a few of my own. As one of the largest universities within the range of the nation's capital, Mason should be a shining example, to the world, of environmental responsibility and sustainability. While the Office of Sustainability, which is fortunate enough to be lead by the brilliant Lenna Storm, continues to make large strides towards reducing Mason's impact on the environment, all that hard work could be negatively offset by irresponsible building practices. A university's library is, without a doubt, one of its most salient and important structures. The advent of a new library in the near future is an invaluable opportunity for Mason, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, to lead the way, or at least keep up, with the nation's leading universities, in terms of environmental responsibility. Several key steps could be taken towards this goal. First of all, a green roof should not even be a question, it should be mandatory. Considering the fact that a small forest will be cleared to make room for the library, a green roof will go a long way in preventing runoff into the nearby streams, etc. The rainwater which is presently absorbed into the forest floor must be prevented from adding to the huge volume of runoff created by impermeable surfaces on campus. Also, greening the roof would offset some of the CO2 absorbing ecosystem services that will be lost when the forest is cut down. While I understand that the forest has to be cleared to make way for this building, we have to acknowledge that we will greatly increasing Mason's carbon footprint, which goes against President Merten's climate commitment. A green roof could also provide research opportunities for students, in terms of urban agriculture. The new library could also serve as a lab for rooftop farming, even vertical agriculture along the side of the building. It should go without saying the building materials and interior furnishings of the building should utilize recycled/reclaimed material, so that's all I will say about that. I agree with Justin’s comments, and would like to add a few of my own.
As one of the largest universities within the range of the nation’s capital, Mason should be a shining example, to the world, of environmental responsibility and sustainability. While the Office of Sustainability, which is fortunate enough to be lead by the brilliant Lenna Storm, continues to make large strides towards reducing Mason’s impact on the environment, all that hard work could be negatively offset by irresponsible building practices.

A university’s library is, without a doubt, one of its most salient and important structures. The advent of a new library in the near future is an invaluable opportunity for Mason, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, to lead the way, or at least keep up, with the nation’s leading universities, in terms of environmental responsibility. Several key steps could be taken towards this goal.

First of all, a green roof should not even be a question, it should be mandatory. Considering the fact that a small forest will be cleared to make room for the library, a green roof will go a long way in preventing runoff into the nearby streams, etc. The rainwater which is presently absorbed into the forest floor must be prevented from adding to the huge volume of runoff created by impermeable surfaces on campus. Also, greening the roof would offset some of the CO2 absorbing ecosystem services that will be lost when the forest is cut down. While I understand that the forest has to be cleared to make way for this building, we have to acknowledge that we will greatly increasing Mason’s carbon footprint, which goes against President Merten’s climate commitment.

A green roof could also provide research opportunities for students, in terms of urban agriculture. The new library could also serve as a lab for rooftop farming, even vertical agriculture along the side of the building.

It should go without saying the building materials and interior furnishings of the building should utilize recycled/reclaimed material, so that’s all I will say about that.

]]> Comment on Graduate students by Eleanor Tipton http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?page_id=9&cpage=1#comment-123 Eleanor Tipton Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:42:29 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?page_id=9#comment-123 I am going to echo what has been said already about "Quiet Study" area needs simply because I want to emphasize (again) how important this is. Fenwick is the only library I've ever been to in my nerdy life (that's a lot of libraries when you're an English nerd) where talking doesn't seem to bother anyone. Even the staff at the Reserve desk are in an open area so when they take work calls they speak as if they are in an enclosed office. Cell phones are used everywhere and no one seems to stop students from using them. So, in short I need a quiet study area with a window. 2. Things that are working: the WRLC when books are not on the shelves! 3. about 20-40% of my studying currently happens in the library, but I would use it about 80% of the time if it were quiet. 4. very satisfied 5. additional resources: larger poetry section. We have one of the best MFA writing programs in the country so keeping multiple copies of poetry books and collecting more current poets would benefit the university. 6. can't think of any 7. more more more "Quiet" No Cell Phone study areas where staff enforce this to take place. I am going to echo what has been said already about “Quiet Study” area needs simply because I want to emphasize (again) how important this is. Fenwick is the only library I’ve ever been to in my nerdy life (that’s a lot of libraries when you’re an English nerd) where talking doesn’t seem to bother anyone. Even the staff at the Reserve desk are in an open area so when they take work calls they speak as if they are in an enclosed office. Cell phones are used everywhere and no one seems to stop students from using them. So, in short I need a quiet study area with a window.

2. Things that are working: the WRLC when books are not on the shelves!

3. about 20-40% of my studying currently happens in the library, but I would use it about 80% of the time if it were quiet.

4. very satisfied

5. additional resources: larger poetry section. We have one of the best MFA writing programs in the country so keeping multiple copies of poetry books and collecting more current poets would benefit the university.

6. can’t think of any

7. more more more “Quiet” No Cell Phone study areas where staff enforce this to take place.

]]> Comment on Open Forums for University Community by cindy mazur http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-119 cindy mazur Thu, 28 May 2009 13:15:36 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30#comment-119 In support of stressed-out, distance challenged, and multi-tasking commuter students, could the library PLEASE have a deposit/drop off box for books after hours? In support of stressed-out, distance challenged, and multi-tasking commuter students, could the library PLEASE have a deposit/drop off box for books after hours?

]]> Comment on Open Forums for University Community by Bill Jones http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-117 Bill Jones Wed, 27 May 2009 18:26:56 +0000 http://newlibrary.gmu.edu/?p=30#comment-117 I love the new modern, glass windows and designs of the new buildings they've built. GMU as you know it is located in Fairfax; smacked in the middle of technology central and minutes away from the capital of the world. We need modern buildings that adhere to the fast pace attitude that GMU embodies in its various academic disciplines and daily life. I do agree though that the library should take more of a central proportional design with one main entrance and alot of wood inside. I would also like to add though that we can have best of both worlds with a Romanesque themed design implemented into a modern building. I love the new modern, glass windows and designs of the new buildings they’ve built. GMU as you know it is located in Fairfax; smacked in the middle of technology central and minutes away from the capital of the world. We need modern buildings that adhere to the fast pace attitude that GMU embodies in its various academic disciplines and daily life. I do agree though that the library should take more of a central proportional design with one main entrance and alot of wood inside. I would also like to add though that we can have best of both worlds with a Romanesque themed design implemented into a modern building.

]]>