Heather Jaber
Staff writer        

           Some of you may have noticed that the Reference Department section of Jafet Library has been closed for some time. While the temporary closing seems to have come at an unfortunate time, with exams rolling around the corner, the pending changes aim to improve the overall environment of the "silent" study section of the library.     

            Reference Librarian Fatmeh Charafeddine spoke of the changes occurring in Jafet, namely the "zoning" that is being established. According to Charafeddine, the faculty recognized "a demand for a quiet space to study," and had various students asking for a place where they could focus. "We want to impose silence," says Charafeddine.     In order to implement this silence, new individual desks have been installed, replacing the original long, open tables. This will make it more difficult for students to interact and socialize, keeping with the theme of the “silent study” section. 

           “The two main reasons for this renovation were to create a quiet study place and to add more electrical outlets,” said Charafeddine. The aim is to supply all those who wish to use their laptops or other devices with access to electricity.  

           The overall décor of the room also went into consideration. While the second floor of Jafet has a more modern, youthful feel to it, the ground floor will retain a simple, yet timeless design. The tables and chairs will remain hardwood in keeping with this theme. Charafaddine stressed this will occur so that “it is more traditional when you walk into the library…[so that] it [the decor] won’t become outdated.” 

         “We have future plans for rezoning other spaces,” said Charafeddine. While these ideas are still in the planning stages, they include renovating the computer lab to resemble more of internet café, and possibly adding more rooms for public meetings, conferences, and group study.                  

           The rezoning of the library has been met with positive criticism by many students. Economics Junior Bassil Stephanou, said of the change, "It is a good step for the good of studying. I have not studied in the library because of its previous lack of privacy. People always run to study in stacks because of the seclusion and ability to focus there, and the lack of disturbances."     

          Some students are still a bit skeptical. Business Junior Rayan Rifai only had this to say, "Let's hope they put proper A.C."