McDermott Library renovations give cadets’ more study space

By Maureen Welch, U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs / Published March 10, 2017.  

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. —

Cadets have more study space now that an eight-month overhaul of McDermott Library is complete.

Workers completed the third-floor facelift in February, retooling 40,000 square-feet to give cadets more space.

The third floor is designed to encourage collaboration between cadets and can comfortably seat 300.

Library renovations included individual study areas and improved Wi-Fi.

“It’s a great new environment for study,” said Cadet 2nd Class Molly Phillips. “I think it will encourage cadets to utilize the resources in the library available to us.”

Along with the structural renovations to the third floor, 250 chairs, 48 individual high-tech work spaces and several couches were purchased with Academy gift funds.

“The new furniture looks pretty modern and is a good thing for the Academy,” said Cadet 2nd Class Delarrion Miller. “It’s a great place for cadets to relax and study.”

Duane Boyle, the Academy’s chief engineer, said the renovations will better serve cadets.

“We are looking at other university libraries and adapting our library to current trends applicable to the Academy,” he said.

Boyle said the library was originally completed in 1958. Its interior has never been renovated.

All furniture on the third floor is scheduled to be replaced by May.