New quarter: New library finally open to students
January 15, 2016
Students at De Anza College study with ample natural light that is filtered through new energy efficient windows and LED lighting system. The new widows also insulate the study area from outside noise.
More than 24,400 visitors walked through the doors of the newly renovated De Anza College library reopened its doors Jan. 4.
The library, which closed in summer 2014 for renovations, offers many improvements including features intended to meet the needs of college students in the 21st century. The updated library has also been modernized to take advantage of the latest energy efficient and green technologies.
Tom Dolan, the library coordinator, said that the library staff believes the numerous upgrades will enhance the educational experience for De Anza students. The library added two new classrooms that meet De Anza’s current smart classroom standard, Dolan said.
One of these classrooms is a combination classroom and computer lab that can seat up to 48 students. The new library also features a new collaboration room area for students to meet up and work in groups.
Another improvement Dolan mentions is the number of group study rooms that increased from four to 11. Most of these new rooms are now outfitted with large, wall-mounted monitors.
Wi-Fi at the old library was installed 10 years ago. It has now been upgraded to the latest standard, increasing speeds.
“Everything is nicer. I like coming here,” said Xitlally Varela, 19, undeclared major.
Donna Jones-Dulin, associate vice president of college operations, said the $12.2 million renovation of the library reflects the most up-to-date State of California building codes for energy efficiency. A modern energy efficient air conditioning and heating system, as well as state-of-the-art automated LED lighting, are two of the new upgrades.
Windows in the building were upgraded for energy efficiency. The new windows not only help maintain the library’s interior temperature, they also provide greater sound insulation, reducing the amount of external noise heard inside.
Bathrooms in the new building now have water-saving toilets and the latest energy efficient, zero-waste paper generating electric hand dryers. Jones-Dulin also said that all of the furniture is third party certified for sustainability and low toxicity under the international Green Seal certification. In addition, the library’s carpeting is fully recyclable.