After remodeling, the Academic Information Center (the Central Library) reopened on April 3rd. Old furnishings were replaced, and the space was extensively reorganized to become a ‘community venue.’

First, the lobby on the first floor removed all the tables and replaced them with sofas. In the past, many students were studying at the tables, so people entering had to be quiet as soon as they entered. The Academic Information Service explained that the purpose is to use it as a dynamic community space where students can sit and talk freely or hold group discussions of various sizes.

The number of PCs (computers) in the reading room on the first floor has been drastically reduced from 126 to 36. Instead, open tables were arranged. It was taken into account that students used the PCs sparingly. Each table has an outlet so students can freely use their laptops.

Three soundproof booths have been stationed on one side of the reading room. It can be used when making quick phone calls, taking Zoom classes, or watching videos on personal smart devices. In addition, the existing Academic Information Center office was converted into a student lounge.

The reason why so many spatial changes were made to the first floor was to promote operational efficiency. According to the Academic Information Service, there are relatively few users in the evening. If all floors are operated, administrative waste is significant regarding safety management and energy saving. As a result, major functions such as a reading room, a lounge, and PCs were integrated on the first floor so that there would be no inconvenience in using the first floor alone. This semester, the Academic Information Center is open until 11:00 p.m. on the first floor only on weekdays (Mon-Thurs).

The basement lounge has been renamed the Sharing Room. Increasing the number of tables and preparing a podium has transformed it into a space where various seminars can be held. The Glocal Institute for Social Innovation and the University Innovation Support Corps recently held a forum in the Sharing Room. It can be freely used when no seminars are being held. It can also be used as a resting area where students can rest comfortably by placing beanbags on one side.

The basement reading room closed during the Corona 19 period, has been turned into a library. Instead, reading rooms were distributed on the 1st to 3rd floors. This was considered to enable learning in a pleasant space with good sunlight rather than underground.

The basement library is operated as a closed-door system. The Academic Information Center has a collection of about 300,000 books, of which 100,000 books, including those published within the last ten years and frequently visited by students, have been placed in the archives on the second and third floors. The remaining 200,000 books were placed in the basement library. When students search for a book on the Academic Information Service homepage, it is located at the basement library if the location comes up as ‘B1 Library 1·2·3·4’.

Students are not allowed to enter the basement library. If one requests material from an academic information center worker, they will find it. The reporter used it, and the material took less than 5 minutes to be found.

An official from the Academic Information Service said, “To secure space on the 2nd and 3rd floors, we have decided to operate books that are relatively infrequently used as a closed-door system. As fewer books are in the library, an additional effect makes it relatively easier to find books.”

The reference room is more open as the books on the 2nd and 3rd floors went down to the basement. Tables and sofas were placed where the old books were, serving as both a reading room and a reference room. The second-floor data room was impressive, with a library in the middle and tables surrounding it. The third floor moved the library to one side.

A concentration and discussion room were newly built on the third floor. In the concentration room, one person can study in a space with a low partition. In the discussion room, students can freely communicate and learn. In addition, by removing the glass wall in the corridor on the third floor, additional resting space was created in the secured area.

The 2.5th floor also underwent minor changes. Old furnishings were completely removed, and new tables and chairs were installed to make the space much more comfortable.

The Academic Information Service emphasized that it would like the library to feel more friendly rather than just a place to study and stressed, “that purpose was buried throughout the remodeling.”

“Please use the Academic Information Center a lot so the tuition fee is not wasted. You can use many services on the Academic Information Service website, such as requests for the purchase of materials, e-books, e-magazines, and audiobooks. Please use and request a lot. We will do our best to become an academic information center that reaches out to students.”