For University Senate consideration

February 3, 2006

RESOLUTION TO DESIGNATE AND MAKE AVAILABLE STUDY SPACES

WHEREAS it is widely reported by graduate and undergraduate students that there is a heavy demand for study space in the Libraries throughout the year, and that, because of crowding, it is often difficult for students to find space there in which to work, and

WHEREAS the Libraries, facing issues of space-scarcity themselves, have significantly expanded the space and seating available to students (by almost 1000 seats over the past three years) without being able to meet the demand, and

WHEREAS the provision of study space for our students should not be regarded as the responsibility of the Libraries only, but as the responsibility of the whole Columbia community, and

WHEREAS the space might be made available for study use in classrooms, dining rooms, and in Lerner Hall, and

WHEREAS the provision of study space is not just a matter of physical space, but of furnishings, lighting, electronic access, security staffing, policies and enforcement;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED

(1) that the University make efforts to designate and make available study space, appropriately furnished, lit, accessed, secure and supervised, in buildings other than the Libraries, and that in particular the University consider designating parts of Lerner Hall for study space, and

(2) that the Provost, Dean of Students, or other officer responsible for space allocation report to the Senate at the next meeting on the measures taken in this regard.

Proponent:
Committee on Libraries and ACIS