A new research center that works much like the writing center has opened at Penrose Library in an effort to reach more students.

The most visible change is the food cart near the entrance of the library. It offers many items similar to those at Jazzman’s Café in Driscoll Student Center North.

The impetus behind the formation of the research center and making snacks and drinks easily available is to increase library use by students.

“Students, faculty, anyone can schedule a consultation appointment with a research librarian through the front desk or by phone or e-mail,” said reference technology research librarian Chris Brown.

Librarians also hope to have an online scheduling system available shortly.

The research center intends to use its dual computer monitor system to actually show students how to search a database and get the most out of their research.

The Penrose Web site has been updated with a newer, redesigned look that is more user-friendly.

“[Peak Beta] will give us more functionality and is much more limiting in searching,” Brown said.

The update will allow researchers to narrow results by language and specific dates. Brown is also currently developing a new 360-degree search. This search engine will allow users to search multiple databases at once.

“I am working out the rough edges,” said Brown, but he hopes to have it launched in the near future.

Natalia Tingle, a graduate student in the Library and Information Science program, works at the front desk of the research center.

“It is great training for me as far as learning how to be a reference librarian. Everyone here is trained in trying to be as helpful as possible in a short amount of time,” Tingle said. She believes Penrose is taking the right steps in becoming more accessible to students.

“[These innovations] are a move toward making the library a destination for students to study and socialize as well as a place you don’t have to go to but want to go to,” Tingle said.

The food cart in the front of the library appeals to students.

“It’s great for students who like to spend longer hours in the library studying, like me. It’s so nice that I can just go over and have a coffee made for me or get a quick snack on a study break. They even have sandwiches and stuff if I’m really hungry,” said Mindy Stone, an integrated science major.

Penrose also expanded its DVD collection to include many titles. DVDs are available for one week with a Pioneer Card.