Eight More Study Rooms Added to Answer Student Demand for Special Group Sessions

McDermott Library has added eight new student study rooms of various sizes which bring the number of rooms available to 12. Several of the new rooms can accommodate large groups as opposed to the original four rooms that are designed for a maximum of six students.

The demand was immediate when the new rooms were opened in September. Student response has been overwhelmingly positive. "They are excited that we are making changes in their favor," said Debbie Gilbert-Stadigh, manager of Circulation Services that administers the rooms. "The rooms have been full from the time we made them available."

Students are encouraged to reserve the rooms online 24 hours in advance and check them out at the Circulation Desk. Reservations can also be made by telephone (972-883-2953) or in person at the Circulation Desk.

"We encourage students to use the online booking tool in advance," Gilbert-Stadigh said. "We can make reservations at the Circulation Desk but students are often disappointed after coming into the library to find there are no openings."

The rooms come equipped with closable entry doors, tables, electric plugs, chairs and whiteboards. The original four rooms have been upgraded with desktop computers. Desktop computers are also planned soon for the new study rooms. Circulation is able to offer new headphones with microphones for check out so that students can use Skype in the rooms as well.

The Longhorn Room has been equipped with a projector, screen and lectern for group presentations.

"Students appear to enjoy having equipment at their disposal," Gilbert-Stadigh said.

The tradition of naming the rooms after Texas-related symbols continued with the additional rooms. The rooms, numbers and names are:

3rd Floor Map New rooms (dark blue): MC 3.604 – Pecan Room (6 person minimum) MC 3.606 – Longhorn Room (large group) MC 3.612 – Rodeo Room (open group study) MC 3.238 – Monarch Room MC 3.227 – Topaz Room (6 person minimum) MC 3.228 – Prickly Pear Room MC 3.230 – Purple Sage Room MC 3.614 – Friendship Room (2 person maximum)	2nd Floor Map Original rooms (light blue): MC 2.520 – Lone Star Room MC 3.444 – Armadillo Room MC 3.618 – Bluebonnet Room MC 3.620 – Mockingbird Room MC 2.5C2 – Media Viewing Room (media viewing only)