News

Temporary measures undertaken to increase student space on the Agricultural Campus.

Students will soon see an increase in space for quiet and collaborative study on the top floor of the MacRae Library thanks to temporary measures being undertaken to increase student space on Campus. 

The top floor of the centrally-located MacRae Library has recently been vacated by former Department of Agriculture tenants, creating an opportunity to expand services and space for students.  Student space was identified as a priority need on the Agricultural Campus during consultations for the campus Master Plan and will be a featured priority in the Campaign for Agriculture now underway.

“Our Interim Plan involves no structural changes to existing spaces on the top floor of the Library,” explained Dean and Campus Principal David Gray “but we are thrilled to be able to offer students nearly 9,000 additional square feet of space and services and hope it will go a long way in helping to determine what works and what doesn’t and ultimately inform the future vision for new student space on campus,” he added.  

Beginning later this month, this hub of activity will house five additional group study rooms, satellite offices for the Dalhousie Agricultural Students’ Association (DASA) and the Dalhousie Agricultural Association of Graduate Students, 11 computers, a printer and scanner as well as study tables.

“Having another space on campus that is accessible after hours for group work, studying or to hang out means a lot to the students,” said DASA President Alana Bent.  “It is something that was lacking on campus and that students were always asking for.  We at DASA are really excited for this new space to open."

A former staff room has been transformed into a student common space for collaborative and social learning with access to a kitchenette and casual lounge furniture.  A bookable meeting room, available to students, faculty and staff during all Library hours, will have furnishings that allow for flexible use of the space and accommodate 20 – 30 people.  A mobile monitor with computer hook-up, large whiteboard and small kitchen and coat closet finish off the space.  

There is also dedicated space for open quiet study with work tables as well as lounge seating.  In addition to the open quiet space there are quiet study rooms available for booking including two Grad study rooms, two general study rooms and a quiet prayer and meditation room.  While there are no computers in this space, patrons will have access to wireless.

“With the full cooperation of Facilities Management and ITS, my team and I have focused in the interim on providing the best student learning space possible within the existing space,” explained Elaine MacInnis, Associate University Librarian, Library Services and Head of the MacRae Library.   “I am really appreciative of the support provided to the interim project by the University Librarian, Donna Bourne-Tyson and other members of the Dal Libraries’ senior leadership team and by the Dean and Campus Principal, David Gray.“

This new space in the MacRae Library will be opening later this month.  Watch for further details!