KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) – The interior of the Calvin T. Ryan Library has a new look with new furniture, carpeting, better lighting and more accessible wheelchair ramps outside.

The library also added a one-stop shop for student support services, including tutoring services and other academic advising services, on the second floor.

Library Dean Evan Boyd said the upgrades began a few years ago when students asked for changes.

“There had been earlier requests from the student body, starting around 2016, when even student body presidents were campaigning to advocate for library renovations,” Boyd said. “Things didn’t really progress until three to four years ago when they actually had money.”

Boyd said the student had many needs that needed to be met in the library and had many complaints, which led to renovations.

“A lot of it was just focused on the general wear and tear of the building,” Boyd said. “Most of the furniture hadn’t been purchased since the last renovation in 1983 so it wasn’t comfortable, everything was clearly visible.” “It was old, the lighting wasn’t great, and the workspaces were inadequate.”

In addition to complaints about the appearance of the library, students also had trouble getting the help they needed in the facility and on campus.

“The disabled student offices weren’t here, and the student support programs weren’t here,” Boyd said. “When you go to an office with a question, they may direct you to another building across campus, so not only are students told they have to go somewhere else, but some of them don’t want to go. .”

Now that most of the renovations have been done to the library, Boyd said he wants the library to focus on student success and connecting with the UNK Community.

“I hope that the library and the offices within it can focus on the true purpose of the renovation, which is to increase student retention,” Boyd said. “By ensuring the facility is ready, we can really look at ways to connect more strongly with students or connect with the community around the university.”

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