Changes Complete At HLS Library

The newly renovated Langdell Law School Library unofficially opened its doors on September 2 with improvements that cost $ 33 million.

The renovations increased the library's seating capacity from 330 to 750 and made the library handicapaccessible by adding four elevators and ramps. More than 1,000 computer jacks, located on lamps, tables and chairs throughout the library, were also added.

The jacks will increase students' access to the Internet and computers said Naomi Ronen, a reference librarian.

"Now there is no way that you can sit in the library without having a computer jack available," she said.

Bahar Khoshnoudi, a third-year law student, agreed that the computer jacks would be very useful for law students.

Everyone has a computer so [adding the computer jacks] is very important," she said.

Also, according to a library brochure, $ 360,000 was spent on upgrading the public computer terminals.

A small building committee-which included a Law school student, a professor and three other members-made the specific decisions about which changes should be implemented in the renovations.

"The main purpose of the renovations was to make the building as flexible and usable as possible," said Paul M. George, associate librarian for Research Services.

The library was closed during the '96-'97 academic year for repairs.

The new features in the library also include 100,000 square yards of new carpeting, 12 new bathrooms, 30 designer chandeliers, more than 2,000 pieces of new furniture and 150 new works of art.

The original library, built in three phases, had uneven floors, only two bathrooms, an energy-inefficient lighting system and seating for only 330.

"The building was gutted with everything moved out and then built up again," Ronen said.

Previously, the building had one small elevator that "was only big enough for two people," said Lisa L. Sears, staff administrator. It also lacked central heating and air-conditioning.

"The building before was very under-wired and lacking in human comfort," George said.

There is now centralized heating and air-conditioning, which protects

the books and artwork from humidity and makes studying bearable during the summer, George said.

The opening of Langdell is a blessing to returning Law school students who spent last academic year studying in the modified Pound Hall, students said.

"This is pretty slick," said Donna L. Scheidt, a third-year law student. "Pound was awful because the lights were dim and it was too crowded."

First-year students are already enjoying the modern facilities.

"This is the best place on campus," Miyun Sung said.

The renovations are still in progress with landscaping work outside and small projects inside. The library will hold an official opening ceremony in October.CrimsonMelissa K. CrockerHIGH-TECH LIBRARY: Second year law student MICHAEL A. TOGNETTI enjoys the renovated Langdell Library.

the books and artwork from humidity and makes studying bearable during the summer, George said.

The opening of Langdell is a blessing to returning Law school students who spent last academic year studying in the modified Pound Hall, students said.

"This is pretty slick," said Donna L. Scheidt, a third-year law student. "Pound was awful because the lights were dim and it was too crowded."

First-year students are already enjoying the modern facilities.

"This is the best place on campus," Miyun Sung said.

The renovations are still in progress with landscaping work outside and small projects inside. The library will hold an official opening ceremony in October.CrimsonMelissa K. CrockerHIGH-TECH LIBRARY: Second year law student MICHAEL A. TOGNETTI enjoys the renovated Langdell Library.