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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Library to continue with upgrades

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Library Outlet

Greenwood Library began installing upgrades over the week of March 6-10. The upgrades included adding electric fireplaces and installing more outlets. The library plans to purchase new furniture in the future, and is planning to create a DigiLab for students.

According to Sarah Reynolds, research service librarian at greenwood library, electric outlets were a priority.

“The most recent change we've added electrical outlets along the side in our group study area.” Reynolds explained. “There was no electricity there. We've added outlets under each of the 12 tables along that railing, and we've also added four new outlets along the windows.”

Dean of Greenwood Library Brent Roberts, added how the outlets were the first priority that was mentioned by the SGA.

"I visited SGA within my first month at Longwood, they suggested having more electrical outlets, that was a definite need," said Roberts.

"Adding electricity, we know that the future of the world is devices, and devices need power," Reynolds added.

In addition to the electrical upgrades, the library also added two artificial fireplaces to add a cozy factor to the library, according to Roberts.

"We have added a couple of fireplaces, at two locations in the library.” Reynolds said. “One is down near our magazines, where there's some leather couches, and also one in what we call our Humanities Reading Room, which is off of the group study space. We've added a fireplace in there, just to add some comfort."

"They are electric fireplaces...They're very cozy." Roberts added. “We know that students are busy. A lot of them are working, a lot of them are involved in clubs and organizations so when they come to the library, they need not just the technology, not just the information, they need a nice environment in which to study.”

Additionally, the library plans to replace the chairs and tables in the upstairs study place.

"Moving forward, we'd (the library) like to replace the chairs upstairs, and respond to student needs and how we can make the space open, inviting and usable for what students need." said Reynolds. "We're looking into purchasing tables that have electricity built right into them, so you wouldn't have to reach around."

The chairs have been at Greenwood Library since the building was built, and were in use for decades before that.

"We're looking for modernizing, updating, that kind of thing...We're looking at chairs on casters so students can move them around to collaborate," said Reynolds.

Additionally, the library is working with with the Digital Education Collaborative (DEC) to create a “DigiLab.”

Students were asked what a good name for the project would be, and Digilab was the most popular option.

"We are partners (DEC and library) in creating the Digilab, that's the name students came up with.” said Roberts.

The DigiLab will be a resource for various kinds of technologies, according to Roberts.

“In the DigiLab, we will have access to all sorts of fun and educational technologies, including robotics and some other types of things you don't always think of, such as sewing machines and things like that," Roberts explained.

The DigiLab is currently in progress, and the library expects more activities related to it in the fall.

“The DigiLab is an ongoing process of adding new technologies that we feel will spark student creativity and interest.” Roberts noted. “ Ashlyn Honor from the DEC has already held several Maker Monday events to show off robots and other tools. We hope to continue building on these resources and do more programming for students and others in the fall.”

The library is open to further student ideas.

"The messages that we'd like to get out is that we're open to feedback from students," said Roberts. "We really want to be open to anything they can tell us they need or would like."

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