libraries at purdue
DESCRIPTION
A rhetorical analysis of different libraries on Purdue University's campus.TRANSCRIPT
A Newly Interesting Space:the Libraries @ Purdue
By: Annie Eckart
Most people think of it as a place
for quiet study and productivity.
Is it? What is being rhetorically
implied by the design of the
space? There is more than meets
the eye when it comes to
libraries. Read on to find out
more… what’s up with libraries and
which one is best for you?
What is a library? And why do we care?
Siegesmund Engineering Library
Bright, fluorescent lights
Carpeted flooring to reduce noise
Individual study carrels
No wall decorations
Undistracted study!
Need to study in a group?
The Siegesmund Engineering Library provides a great group
study environment. Round tables accommodate discussion by their
inward-facing design, carpeted flooring cuts down on noise between the tables, and the chairs easily slide out on the
carpet to encourage interaction among tables.
Pharmacy, Nursing, and Health Sciences Library
Convenient access to books…
Uninteresting wall paper…
No distracting windows…
Individual study carrels…
Have a major exam or project coming up?
Focused study!
Like to study in groups, but need to study on your own this time?
Group setting, yet individual
Successful individual study time!
Study and still be around people
Calming atmosphere
Life Sciences Library
This library is perfect for group study, but also for those who need a little background noise to be most productive.
The tables accommodate groups, bright lights keep everyone alert, and books are within reach.
This library also has places for individual study, but may have a few problems…
Black Cultural Center Library
The desks are spaced far apart and the floor is carpeted for noise control between groups. The tables are larger and provide for a group or individual to comfortably spread out.
Big desk size + large distance between next table = great for groups!
Hicks Undergraduate Library (UGRL)
crowded… but empty…
depending on the time of
day this area of the library
could be a prime study place
Humanities, Social Science, and Education Library (HSSE)
This library seems to have a specific and purposeful design for its space. There are group study rooms, and then places for individual study. The pictures are above eye level, but the floor is tiled. It seems that there are conflicting aspects to this seemingly well-designed space.
Do libraries have your best interests at heart? What aspects of a library’s design promote studying, and which hinder it?
Values—Individual and group study… isolation…quiet…focus… are these things good for everyone?
Design— Does it seem like there’s true design to these spaces? I think that some libraries show more thought than others. Or, is there thought put into each of them, but are they purposely trying to hinder?
Looking beyond— how can this knowledge be used? Hopefully to maximize the use of the library to best fit your needs.