After a month of renovation, the reference area located on the first floor of San Diego State’s Dome opened today offering an updated look to an old space.

According to the Dean of Library and Information Access Gale Etschmaier, the renovation began after Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Ethan Singer offered to help pay for new carpet on the first floor of the library.

“That was an offer we couldn’t refuse,” Etschmaier said. “We were just delighted because we know students spend so much time in the library.”

Etschmaier and other library officials decided to proceed with the renovation, using student-use fees to update more than the carpet.

The changes, which Etschmaier said were based on feedback from student surveys, include new tables receptacles and a variety of seating options.

“There are so many needs, and we want to provide the best library for today’s students,” Etschmaier said.

SDSU junior Jessica Mercado welcomed the renovation, commenting that the old blue and green color scheme didn’t represent SDSU.

“When I think of SDSU, I just think of red, black and gold,” Mercado said.

Now the reference area has a new look, complete with Aztec red accents.

According to Administrative Operations Specialist and Facilities Coordinator Maureen Dotson, the reference area renovation is only the beginning.

Plans for further redesign are still being discussed and students are the driving force behind continued renovations, according to Etschmaier.

“It’s created opportunities for other changes that I think the students will love,” Dotson said.

Etschmaier said although plans for further redesign are being discussed, students will ultimately be the driving force for what changes will be made.

“It’s really a matter of engaging students in that discussion so we can make sure that our priorities in renovating areas reflect student priorities,” Etschmaier added.