You have probably already seen the new carrels on LG4. We went with a colourful mix in a ‘hexagon’ or honeycomb arrangement. We changed the carpet too, giving a more engaging and dramatic visual effect.
Why this change? Previously, that area held several large reading tables and a collection of sofas. For the past couple of years we have been receiving complaints about noise travelling from there to higher floors, especially LG3 and G/F. And the recent LibQUAL user survey showed a strong student demand for more individual study carrels. And the sofas were really being underutilised, and sometimes used for sleeping instead of studying.
So we killed two birds with one stone, as the western saying goes. Groups of students discussing were switched to individual study options meeting user demands for quiet individual study space.
The carrels are built with sound-absorbent fabric panels, wooden study surfaces, regular and USB power sockets, and task lighting. The lighting is easily adjustable, and had controls for adjusting both brightness and colour temperature.
We are still making some adjustments to the area, but we hope these new carrels will meet your needs.
As for the tables which used to be there – after over thirty years of service, they were sent to the recyclers to become part of something new elsewhere in Hong Kong.
Edward Spodick
Associate University Librarian
lbspodic@ust.hk
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