The current periodical area offers seating for 38 at large reading tables, plus eight lounge chairs and eight large window seats. Data and electrical outlets are available at each table and along the window seat wall. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ALISON RICKER Oberlin College Science Library Open to Students by Anita Lancaster
Operating Hours for the Science Center's New Library		SEPTEMBER 26, 2001Although construction still continues on other parts of the science center, Oberlin College's new science library opened to students on August 30. Twice the size of the now "retired" Kettering library, it houses two group study rooms, an electronic classroom and a spacious reading area with an abundance of natural light. The library also provides 30 study carrels with live data connections, and more teledata connections at each table and along the walls, allowing students to connect their laptop computers to the Internet. The science center complex includes five medium-size classrooms (two for biology, and one each for neuroscience, chemistry and physics) four seminar rooms (one for each department), and two large lecture halls. Directly across from the library is the science center's common area, a two-story atrium where both students, staff and faculty members can unwind or meet to work on projects, eat lunch and socialize. "The two things a scientist needs most are lab space and a library," says Lynne Bianchi, assistant professor of neuroscience. "The new library is a wonderful addition to the campus. It has so much more room to expand the collections and it has a much nicer atmosphere than the old library." Science librarian Alison Ricker notes that the new library is intended as a welcoming focal point for the entire science complex, and invites all members of the campus community to visit and use the facilities. "We hope that all students will find the library a great place to conduct research and work with their peers, regardless of the classes they are taking," says Ricker. For more information about Oberlin College's new science center and library, visit the science library's web site.
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