Library




	Vogel Library nears completion

	LIBRARY READY FOR USE—Students take advantage of the new computer lab in the Robert and Sally Vogel Library. Katie Shannon/TRUMPET

	by Rachel Dvorak
	Staff Writer


	Although the library has been open for use since classes started, it’s not quite finished. Renovation of the old Engelbrecht Library began last year, but because of many delays, workers are still putting the finishing touches on everything. The library staff was supposed to be in the building by early August, but they barely moved in before students arrived. The staff is still getting organized and becoming familiar with the new technology and surroundings. Jill Gremmels, college librarian, said, "When we get [the library staff] trained, they will be able to help out students in the library." Work on the skywalk to the Fine Arts Center and the Konditorei is expected to be completed by Sept. 24, but all work must be entirely finished by Homecoming. Dedication of the Vogel Library is set for Saturday, Oct. 16, at 9:30 a.m. The Konditorei, which will be run by the Coffee Depot, will not open until the beginning of October because some of their equipment and supplies have not yet arrived. Located at the front of the library, the Konditorei will be open during regular library hours and will offer a menu similar to that of the Coffee Depot. It will feature gourmet coffees, soups, sandwiches, salads, pastries, bagels, rolls, scones and much more. The Konditorei will also feature live entertainment such as acoustic music. Anyone interested in performing should call Peggy Charney at the Coffee Depot at 352-4519. Art students may also display their work on the walls. The library’s main body of books and back issues are located in the lower level of the library. These items are stored in compact shelving, in which the bookshelves stand close together with limited space between them. However, at the push of a button, the shelves move apart on tracks on the floor for easy access to the books. Several help phones are available to call the main desk for assistance. Randall Schroeder, information literacy librarian, said installing this advanced shelving system, one of the first in Iowa, was actually more economical than expanding the building further. He also stresses the efficiency and safety of the system. Lights above the shelves only turn on when that particular set of shelves is being used. It is also impossible to be caught between moving shelves because a laser near the floor senses the presence of a book or person and halts the system. Students may check out books at the lower level desk. The microfilm reader printers in the archive room and the copy machines are either coin-operated or can be paid for with campus ID cards. The lower level also contains the Curriculum Wing, an area with thirteen G3 Power Macs and an educational curriculum library set aside for education department classes. Other students may use these computers when classes are not in session. The library’s main desk is located at the top of the grand staircase. Students may check out several of the library’s laptop computers at the desk to use in the study rooms in the upper level. The main level of the library contains reference books, magazines, and the biggest computer lab on campus. So far there are 67 PC and Mac computers, four scanners and four laser printers. A few of these computers are restricted to library use. "Wartburg students seem reluctant to ask for help," Gremmels said, so the library staff remains close to the restricted computers to offer assistance. Two brand new multimedia classrooms are located on the main floor and will be mostly used for library instruction. The entrance to the skywalk is on the south end of this floor, along with a study area and a faculty lounge. The upper level of the library houses the Pathways career services center, but most of the floor is devoted to study areas. This floor’s special design does not allow sound to travel across the library, so it is ideal for quiet study time. There are many tables, overstuffed chairs, and rocking chairs to choose from, and study rooms are available for groups or individuals seeking absolute silence. The rooms are all equipped with dry erase boards and several terminals to plug in laptops. Upon his first visit to the library, senior music education major Brian Cole was very impressed and had much to say. "This is one of the best collegiate libraries I’ve ever seen," he said. "It’s very much a learner’s library . . . very conducive to education." Cole said the chairs are almost too comfortable for studying, and the view is gorgeous.