The science library’s renovation is set to conclude in July 2016. It is creating an expanded and contemporary space for students to do scientific research and study.
The science library remodel and addition has been in the works since 2012. The library already has new study rooms, book shelves and specific study tools for each department. Currently, the Allan Price Science Commons is being built above ground and will house a cafe and additional study space, according to Margaret Bean, the head librarian. The overall goal of the commons was to make a place that can be used for social and academic purposes, said Bean.
The science library had no previous extensive renovations since it was initially built in 1962, and the current set up was not working for the increasing amount students using it.
“The reason we decided to do this renovation is to accommodate the number of students using the library and the way they are using the library and to create a community space for all other sciences,” Bean said.
A way they  accommodated students in the renovations is by giving different science departments each a study room and the chance to design what those rooms include.
“We let every department choose what they want in their rooms,” Bean said. For example, there is a room for the anatomy and physiology students with models of body parts.
The library will also update technology. Currently it holds one 3D printer available to students. To keep up with the amount of technology use, the addition to the library will include a room with multiple 3D printers and a soldering station.
These changes work as useful tools for large number of students who use the science library frequently. Junior general science major Sarah Heppler believes that the renovations and additions were needed.
“I feel like this is giving science students something like the knight library since this is one of the only libraries where you can talk and you can also have quiet areas where you can study,” Heppler, who spends a majority of her time  in the library, said.
The science library is an important space to Heppler and other science majors not as a place to study but as a place to learn from others. A main component of the library is that there are areas where students can talk out loud and collaborate, Bean said.
“I like the idea of just being around books and people and the things you are studying. You see a lot of your science peers here and you help each other with assignments,” Heppler said.
The project is being completed in 4 phases: staff offices, book collection areas, the cafe and commons and study rooms, said the Project Engineer Ashlee Blessing. The new study rooms and book collection areas are currently ready for student use, however, when the commons are finished even more room will be available.
“We wanted to try not to disturb the students. We needed to let them use their space and be operational. That’s why we devised the phasing of the project,” Blessing said.
For updates on the Allan Price Commons and Library renovation, visit Bean’s weekly construction blog.