The fourth floor renovation is fully underway at the John C. Hitt Library, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the student, faculty and staff experience at UCF. With a focus on maximizing space and addressing user needs, this project embodies UCF Libraries’ vision of innovation, growth and support for the UCF campus community.
Designed with Study in Mind
The fourth floor has long been a favorite for quiet study, and that tradition will continue when the floor reopens Aug. 18. The renovated floor will continue to serve as a quiet study zone, offering 1,100 seats in a variety of layouts to support focused work. Within this floor, a designated silent study room will provide 140 seats for those who require a completely noise-free environment.
Recognizing that collaboration is an important part of the academic experience, the new design also adds 28 smaller study rooms on the fourth floor — ideal for group projects, focused study or brainstorming sessions. While larger study rooms remain available on the third floor, these new rooms provide more intimate and flexible spaces to support smaller group needs.
Highlights of the Fourth Floor Study Spaces
When the fourth floor reopens, visitors will find:
- A continued commitment to quiet and silent study
- 28 smaller group study rooms for collaboration and focused discussion.
- A dedicated silent study room, extending the fifth floor’s popular silent zone.
- The return of the Grant Reading Room (facing the Student Union) with 235 seats, high ceilings, and basked with natural light on three sides.
- A refreshed, modern design featuring reading islands that encourage both independent and group learning with added privacy and fewer distractions.
- The Digital Exploration Center, featuring cutting-edge technology resources:
- Audio/podcast studios
- Production studio
- Digital scholarship resources
- Data visualization room
- XR (Extended Reality) lab
This renovated floor will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration and individual focus. The goal of the design process is to create academic and social spaces that cater to students, faculty and staff alike.
The new floor will offer flexible environments to meet students where they are on their academic journey and help them thrive.
The Philosophy Behind the Renovation
Historically a designated quiet study area with a significant number of book stacks, the fourth floor has long been valued for its study environment and resources. After collecting feedback, the UCF Libraries team identified an opportunity to reimagine the floor by integrating modern resources and layout concepts while preserving what the community loved about the space. The guiding principles of the renovation include:
- Versatility: Meeting various needs, from silent study to collaborative work in smaller groups
- Maximization of Space: Expanding seating, study rooms and technology resources to increase the floor’s overall functionality
- Respect for Heritage: Retaining iconic spaces such as the Reading Room, the Gallery, and the event space in room 402. The renovation will also incorporate refinished elements like the original oak chairs from the 1968 UCF Library.
Overcoming Challenges
The temporary closure of the floor, which began in May 2024, has impacted the availability of study space. However, the renovation is running on schedule, and the library team remains committed to maintaining progress and minimizing disruptions. For any issues or concerns, please email the library Administration team.
Looking Ahead
This transformation underscores the UCF Libraries’ dedication to creating an unparalleled academic environment. Stay tuned for updates through UCF Today, the UCF Libraries website and social media as we progress toward unveiling this exciting new space.
