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The Joan Brix Carter Library extends beyond its central reading area and into the learning and creative spaces of Penrose Hall.
Located on the first floor of this historic building, our study rooms and research spaces are designed to support a wide range of academic, artistic, and collaborative activities.
Students can reserve these rooms for focused study, group work, design reviews, media research, and more—making Penrose Hall a flexible, library-connected hub for scholarship and creativity.
Each space has a distinct purpose and atmosphere, allowing you to choose the environment that best supports your work.
A dedicated quiet zone for deep study and reflective reading.
Large tables, comfortable seating, and natural light make this an ideal environment for students working on research papers, reading assignments, or extended projects requiring full concentration.
The Reading Room maintains a low-noise policy to preserve a calm, academic atmosphere.
A space designed for exploring visual references, historical materials, and archival collections.
Students can review images, portfolios, design precedents, and visual research materials in an environment that supports slow, careful examination.
Select archival displays may also rotate throughout the year, highlighting the history and creative heritage of the Elkins campus.
A collaborative workspace for architectural and design students.
Equipped with large worktables and flexible seating, this room accommodates group critiques, sketch sessions, model discussions, and informal studio gatherings.
It serves as a bridge between the library’s research resources and hands-on creative practice.
A small-format academic space ideal for discussions, workshops, and research-based meetings.
Faculty may reserve the room for reading groups, tutorials, or guest speaker sessions, while students can use it for collaborative study or project planning.
Its seminar-style layout encourages dialogue and shared exploration of ideas.
A digital research and viewing space that supports media-based study.
Students can access computers equipped with design software, view high-resolution images, explore digital archives, and review multimedia materials for coursework.
The room is optimized for individual work or quiet, technology-based study.
A curated space dedicated to the history of Penrose Hall and the former Tyler School of Art.
Exhibits, archival photographs, and historical narratives offer visitors an opportunity to learn about the legacy of the building and its role in shaping generations of artists and architects.
This room is especially valuable for tours, visiting scholars, and campus history projects.
Across these library-integrated study spaces, students have access to computers equipped for research, writing, digital design, and media viewing.
Software availability may vary by room, but most stations support architecture, art, and design coursework.
Wi-Fi is available throughout Penrose Hall, and students are encouraged to bring their own devices as needed.
Most study rooms may be used freely when available, and certain rooms can be reserved for academic or project-based work.
Because these spaces are part of the broader library system, students are asked to maintain a respectful study environment and follow posted guidelines for noise, equipment use, and room care.
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