By JENNIFER MERKSAMER
Staff Writer
 

Throughout the building, increased seating, internet access, lighting, sprinklers and drinking fountains improve the overall appearance of the building.

Last year the drinking fountains were shut off due to high lead content. New, safe, fountains were installed.

Stacks on the ground floor which were perpendicular to one another were all turned in the same direction. This allows students to have easier access to them and creates wider aisles. The change also made the basement handicapped accessible.

In addition, carpeting and a lounge area were added in the bound periodical section. New periodicals were moved from the basement to the first floor, taking the place of the copy room, which moved to the new balcony. Two new study rooms were also built on the third floor.

Aside from the physical changes, the library received a major grant from the Mellon Foundation to work with Bowdoin and Colby to integrate the three libraries' catalogue systems on the world wide web.

Students can also access new databases through Bates' site on the web (http://ladd.bates.edu), including: Alternative Press Index; ALTA Religion Index; Black Studies on Disc; Environmental Periodical Bibliography; Poem finder; Marquis Who's Who; Women's Resources International and World News Connection.