Like any diligent UCSB student, I spent a ton of time at Davidson Library — when I wasn’t in class or goofing off in Isla Vista.
Those hours, though busy, were always a breather in a demilitarized zone away from loud roommates and other college distractions. Helpful librarians and an inconceivably vast storehouse of books and resources stood at the ready. My favorite reading spot was a northeast nook on the top floor with a view of the Pacific.
But the library was dark and cramped and frustratingly low-tech. Not in the soft-bulb, oak-banister kind of way, but of the bad 1950s-linoleum and lingering-mildew sort. It was almost impossible to find an open outlet or unused computer terminal. Banks of high partitioned desks didn’t exactly encourage communication with your neighbors, while the 24-hour study room often got rowdy.