Graduate students now have a dedicated space in the Bata Library to call their own, thanks to the efforts of Library staff.

“Graduate students had a need for a quiet work space on campus. The Library staff not only acknowledged that need but also took steps to make it happen,” said Julia Smith, Ph.D. candidate with the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, who was part of the Library Services Committee, which worked to make the new space a reality. “Having a dedicated space for grad students in the library sends a great message that graduate students are an important part of the university community.”

The new Graduate Students’ Reading Room, located on the third floor of the Library, has been a work in progress since January when the Library put forward a request to the space committee to convert an existing seminar room into a dedicated space for graduate students.

“One of the strategic directions of the Library Strategic Plan is to create spaces for collaboration and learning,” said Loretta Durst, manager of Administration and Communication for the Bata Library. “Creating the Graduate Students’ Reading Room is one such initiative the library has undertaken to provide a quiet, comfortable space for graduate students. The Library plans to continue to work with students in creating attractive, quiet study areas that will support and enrich their academic pursuits and student experience while at Trent.”

Based on the expressed needs of students, the room is equipped with desk/writing space as well as comfortable seating. Additional wiring was also installed to provide power to the area for students using laptops and other electronic devices. Furnishing were gathered using original library furnishings to provide a nostalgic and comfortable reading room as intended by the original architects of Bata Library.  Artwork was provided by the University Art Committee.

“It is great for the graduate students to now have their own dedicated space on the Symons campus,” said Dr. Elaine Scharfe, interim vice-provost and dean of Graduate Studies. “I want to thank the Library staff for supporting our students and creating this wonderful space where they can study, work and collaborate with each other.”

Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2014.