Library Spaces
Bowman Library has a variety of spaces available where you can get inspired, explore ideas, collaborate, create and study. Loud and quiet spaces, contemplative and creative spaces, all are welcome and everyone belongs here!
Some spaces are reservable and some are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Learn more about our library spaces below, find the space best suited to your productivity and noise level needs, and click on the calendar link when you are ready to reserve a space!
Bowman Library Quiet Spaces → view spaces by noise level
Quick Links → view details of each space
Bowman Library Quiet Spaces policy
We welcome you to consider Bowman Library as a comfortable space, and want to maintain both social spaces and areas for quiet study. Here are the noise level guidelines for different spaces of the library.
Main room: You may speak at a normal volume.
Quiet collaborative space (the room to the left of the main room as you walk in): Keep your voice slightly below a normal volume.
Quiet space: Keep your voice at a low volume. Take phone calls or video calls in another area.
In all spaces, except for study rooms with closed doors: headphones are required for watching video clips, class lectures, listening to music, or anything else with sound. Free earbuds are available at the front desk upon request.
Quick Links- Detailed Views of Library Spaces
Click through to see more details of a specific space or scroll down to view all spaces.
| Learning Commons | Blue Oak | Live Oak |
| Carrels | Valley Oak | Scrub Oak |
| Seating Circle | Work Tables |
= Wi-fi available = Accessible = Reservable = Audio/video production ready (DIY Recording Studios)
Learning Commons
The Learning Commons in the library’s computer laboratory. Desktop computers and printers are available for student use.
Each desktop computer is available on a first come, first serve basis. No reservation is required.
On occasion, student groups, faculty, staff and librarians may reserve the entire Learning Commons to teach a hands-on course or host an uncamp, hackathon or similar event during off-peak hours. Please consult with a librarian.
The fixed equipment in the Learning Commons is described below.
- Capacity: 16-25
- Seating: Mobile office chairs
- Tables: computer desks
- Hardware and Software: 4 MacMinis, 2 iMacs, 12 PCs, networked, with GSuite, Adobe Creative Suite, and access to networked printers.
- Equipment: 2 office printers, 1 Black and white large capacity office printer, 1 color large capacity office printer
Reservable Technology: If you need to borrow other equipment for use outside the library, check out our available tech.
Carrels
15 carrels for individual study. Not reservable. First come, first serve
- Capacity: 1
- Seating: 1
- Tables: 1
- Hardware and Software: 7 have PC computers, monitor, keyboard, mouse
- Equipment: all have electric outlets and lamps
Reservable Spaces
Seating Circle
Reservable group conversation area in the right nave of the library with lovely natural light.
- Capacity: 10-16
- Seating: Comfortable chairs and couches
- Tables: Coffee tables
- Hardware and Software: None
- Equipment: 1-2 mobile whiteboards
Work Tables (2 of 3 tables )
3 reservable large work tables in the left nave of the library with lovely natural light. Ideal for larger groups and tutoring.
Group Work Tables 1 & 2
- Capacity: 6-8 per table
- Seating: mobile office chairs
- Hardware and Software: None
- Equipment: None. No electric. 12 plugs are 3-8 feet away.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Group Work Table 3
- Capacity: 6-8 people
- Table: tall Steelcase table
- Seating: mobile office chairs
- Hardware and Software: Monitor
- Equipment: 6 functioning outlets at the center of the table. Monitor comes equipped with HDMI cord for display connection.
- Accessibility: Not accessible
Live Oak
This reservable group study and multipurpose recording room is your creative zone! Students, faculty and staff can create professional audio/visual recordings including podcasts, news casts, short videos, recorded lessons and more!
*This room is also the place where librarians create instructional videos!
Available technology. Check out the equipment you need to make great recordings! Review our equipment reservation policies, online user manuals and instructional videos for help.
- Capacity: 5-7
- Seating: Mobile office chairs
- Tables: 2 study tables, 1 desk
- Hardware and Software: 1 iMac with Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, and GarageBand software.
- Equipment: Green screen, sandbags, sound baffling
Scrub Oak
Reservable multipurpose recording room is where your recordings come alive! Students, faculty and staff can create professional audio/visual recordings including podcasts, news casts, short videos, recorded lessons and more!
*This room also serves as our Systems Librarian’s office and is reserved all day when she is on site. It is also the place where librarians create instructional videos!
Available technology. Check out the equipment you need to make great recordings! Review our equipment reservation policies, online user manuals and instructional videos for help.
- Capacity: 1-3
- Seating: Mobile office chairs
- Tables: 1 desk
- Hardware and Software: 1 iMac with Adobe Creative Suite, Camtasia, and GarageBand software.
- Equipment: Green screen, sandbags, sound baffling
Valley Oak
Reservable group study room, great for conversations, with interior windows.
- Capacity: 3-4
- Seating: rolling office chairs
- Tables: 1 collaboration table
- Hardware: 45 inch Sony monitor, 6 electric plugs, 2 USB ports
- Equipment: 1 whiteboard
Blue Oak
Reservable group study room in the quiet area of the library with natural light.
- Capacity: 3-4
- Seating: rolling office chairs
- Tables: 1 collaboration table
- Hardware: 45 inch Sony monitor, , 6 electric plugs, 2 USB ports
- Equipment: 1 whiteboard