The Impact of the Merensky 2 Library Construction on Student Experiences: Insights from the University of Pretoria

The whiteboard of the Marketing and Quality Assurance office at DLS was utilized to survey the University of Pretoria students regarding the impact of ongoing construction at the Merensky 2 library. The aim was to gather insights into students’ experiences with the construction activities.

On 8 April 2024, the whiteboard was stationed on level 3 of the Merensky 2 Library, opposite the Access and Lending counter. The question displayed was: “How has the library construction affected you?” Students were encouraged to anonymously share their thoughts using sticky notes provided at the top right corner of the whiteboard.

After two weeks, on 22 April, the whiteboard was removed. The responses were categorized into three groups: Positive, Neutral, and Negative. Out of 35 responses in total, there were 3 positive, 17 neutral, and 15 negative responses.

The feedback collected from students regarding the ongoing construction at the Merensky 2 Library revealed a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. Some students expressed appreciation for the renovation efforts, with one stating, “The construction inspires me.” These students found the inconveniences caused by the construction tolerable and even motivating.

A significant portion of responses fell into the neutral category. It is noteworthy that many of these responses were off-topic, including bible verses, motivational messages, or unrelated issues. Despite this, they indicated a general indifference toward the construction noise.

However, many students reported negative impacts resulting from the construction activities. Some experienced headaches, disturbances, and difficulty focusing while studying or using the computers. Alarmingly, one response even mentioned contemplating suicide, highlighting the profound impact on student well-being. Additionally, another student claimed that due to the noise, they were unable to study in the library, resulting in failing a test, which underscored the impact on academic performance.

It is evident from the feedback that the construction has predominantly had a negative impact on students’ library experiences. Efforts should be directed towards providing communication updates on the construction progress. The concerns raised should be addressed, particularly regarding noise disruptions and their adverse effects on student well-being and academic performance.