The 24/7 Learning Commons has been a great space since it opened in 2012. But in the recent Library survey you complained that it had no individual study options. We listened, and acted. Individual study carrels are now available 24/7 in the Learning Commons! These colorful carrels are built with sound-absorbent fabric panels, wooden study surfaces, and regular and USB power sockets. I hope you enjoy using them as much as I enjoyed buying them :-) And for those wondering where the previous tables went – we moved them up to the ground floor, replacing some book shelves which were no longer needed. Edward Spodick Associate University Librarian lbspodic@ust.hk

Yesterday we changed all the furniture in the study pods – except for the orange high chairs in the solo pods. We work hard to get you the best furniture available – and we were not satisfied with the defaults provided by the vendor. The new seats in the duo and quad pods have improved upholstery cushions and nicer fabric – and we moved from 2 tones of grey to a green-grey combo. All the tables were also replaced, with unneeded holes removed and a better study surface which should show fewer marks from your laptops. I hope you like them – and feel free to let me know if you have suggestions for other improvements! Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk

While you were gone, we moved all the microforms down to LG4 and repurposed that space on LG1 for student study. Please welcome the new Study Pods - they're orange, and we're loving them! Nine pods have been installed, meeting different needs: 3 Solo Pods - 1-person pods for quiet study, online interviews, remote class attendance, and whatever else you might need them for 4 Duo Pods - 2-person pods for working with your project partner 2 Quad Pods - 4-person pods offering quiet space for small groups to work Remember - when you only need a place for online programs, use a small pod instead of a larger group study room - always be considerate of other students! All pods can be reserved using the Library's Room Booking System, just like study rooms. Every pod comes with seating, work surface, good lighting and ventilation, power/USB sockets, and a fair amount of quiet. Edward Spodick Associate Director of Library Services lbspodic@ust.hk