On West Campus, Perkins Library is a hub for studying. And one of the most unique places to study in Perkins is the Link. Located on the lower level of Perkins, the Link offers a variety of resources, including study booths, 11 group study rooms for collaborative work and a multitude of computer kiosks and armchairs designed for independent studying.
Group study rooms can be reserved through an online scheduling system, 25Live, according to the Link’s website.
“I liked the study rooms because they’re easily reservable, and it was nice because you were enclosed,” said junior Molly Linabarger.
Eight out of 11 study rooms are equipped with LCD laptop projection screens, and study room 11 also contains videoconferencing equipment. Classroom 6 features 25 computer workstations.
Some students, however, feel that the Link’s modern furniture is impractical for studying.
“If they could provide us with more computers it would be better,” said Congshan Zhang, a first year graduate student in economics. “I also think there should be more tables and chairs. It’s not necessary to have so many sofas [with individual desks] here; the office tables are more necessary.”
Linabarger agreed with Zhang.
“I would have more tables in the middle area,” said Linabarger. “There are only little desks and they’re not very helpful.”
One particular point of interest are the curved purple chairs scattered around the Link. They are designed by Artifort, a company that also sells a number of other similarly offbeat furniture items. These particular chairs, the Le Chat model, sell online for around $3,000.
Sonja Boergmahle, a first year graduate student in political science, said she likes that the Link offers a different studying atmosphere than the rest of Perkins.
“[There are] some quiet areas, more busy areas, some modern parts like [the Link] and historic spots upstairs,” Boergmahle said. “It’s quite diverse.”
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