‘STLCC Transformed’ misses the mark in at least one major way
BY: JACOB POLITTE
Managing Editor
I’ve been a Meramec student for a couple years, and I cannot argue that the campus needs a major facelift.
As much as I like to go here and as much as this campus has given to me on a personal level, the buildings that I often walk through feel a bit antiquated. With ‘STLCC Transformed’ looking to physically transform the landscape of the college, these changes and this facelift are coming, even if I likely will move on before the end results.
One particular change that eventually will come that I’m not such a big fan of, however, is the eventual demolition, move and likely downsizing of the library; eventually a brand new science building will take its place.
These ‘STLCC Transformed’ projects will only benefit the college, and the campus could absolutely benefit from having more classroom space. But let me be very blunt: the demolition of the library building is absolutely the wrong move.
Could the building itself use a major facelift and a fresh coat of paint? Yes, it could. But that argument can be made about virtually every building on the campus. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the library or how much space that it takes up. The building is positioned perfectly near the center of campus, and it offers a lot of resources to students in its present form.
Things like the Writing Center, or Academic Success and Tutoring Center, or even just the vast amount of printers and computers for students to use to get the information they need. Not to mention, it’s just a great gathering place for students to meet and get things done.
I’m not sure what, if any, research or thought went into putting the library building on that demolition list. Perhaps there are elements at play here that I’m not yet aware of.
But whatever form the library takes in the future will almost certainly be a downsized version, and I don’t think that’s what this campus needs. And judging from what I’ve heard many students and staff say, I don’t think it’s what they think it needs, either.
