The study nooks look a little like something out of “The Jetsons” cartoon, but the newest additions to the OSUIT Library are made for 21st century students.

The eight study nooks, called Brodys, were added this semester and offer students an individual study space with privacy walls, chair and footstool, desktop, lamp and power outlets so users never have to go unplugged. There are nooks for both right and left-handed patrons.

Jenny Duncan, the library’s director, said the study nooks along with new café-style seating options on the north side of the library, are phase three of the library’s project to update and improve the space for students.

The project started three years ago when a consultant helped staff conceive of how the library could become a better resource for students.

“Libraries have shifted from being book-focused to learning-focused,” Duncan said.

Phases one and two included the renovation of small study rooms into media:scape rooms for small groups complete with monitors, desks, upholstered chairs, laptops and components for video-conferencing. The renovation was funded by a $30,000 grant from the Roy and Mariana Holleman Foundation.

Other improvements to the library have been possible through library fees paid by students, which is why these new additions and programs are centered on what the students want and need.

“The Brodys are there for anyone to use. You don’t have to reserve them,” said Jennifer Tatum, reference and instruction librarian. “They’re great. I have a few students who have already staked out their favorites.”

Duncan said these new study nooks take the place of the traditional wooden study desks called carrels that just offered small partitions and a desktop.

“There’s just enough privacy with the Brody. It’s very comfortable and very conducive to studying in a technological environment,” she said. “ It’s a much updated library carrel and we’re the first library in Oklahoma to have them.”