REXBURG—After two years of construction, the remodel of the David O. McKay Library at BYU-Idaho is complete.
The west wing was completed during the first year of the remodel while the newest section, the east wing, was completed in the second year, just in time for the 2026 Fall Semester.
Academic Success and Tutoring Department Chair Michael Gentry says his department expanded from using just the second floor to now having space and resources on the first and second floors.
“Really allows us a chance to get all of our tutoring centers in one place,” Gentry said. “That hasn’t been the case for a lot of years. We get all of our tutoring centers here and then we’re also able to expand the number of classrooms we have in the area so that, our course that are directly tied to the tutoring, we can teach them in classes real close and then walk students over and get them the help they need.”
Gentry says the remodel helps bring the department together and makes it easier to grow its services. The next big step is letting students know about those services.
“Now that we have more space, the goal is to make sure all students are aware of what we offer, the resources that are here and get more students here,” Gentry said.
A study done a few years ago by the Academic Success and Tutoring Department showed that students who used the campus tutoring resources averaged a 3.4 GPA, which is one of the big reasons Gentry hopes more students will take advantage.
Here’s a full breakdown of all the centers and resources available to students on both floors of the east wing:
1st floor
Front Desk, manned by Sister Lindsey Mecham.
IT Help Desk: moved from Manwaring Center to the McKay Library following the completion of the remodel.
Presentation Practice Center: includes five study rooms with televisions which students can use to watch their speeches back and receive feedback from staff.
Math Study Center: students can check in and get help at the raise of a hand. One-on-one tutoring is available.
Volunteer Connections Center: includes drop-in labs for students studying foreign languages, with hundreds of volunteers assisting students.
Study Hall Productivity Lab: includes several desks with power and small sound barriers.
OASIS (Office of Academic Success and Interdisciplinary Studies): helps students craft their Interdisciplinary Studies degree.
2nd floor
Tutoring Center front desk.
Tutoring Center: targeted toward subjects like accounting, chemistry, anatomy and physiology and more. Includes group tables, one-on-one tables, study rooms and classrooms that double as a study space in the evenings.
Writing Center: students can receive help drafting, editing and brainstorming writing projects. All sessions are done by appointment only.
Study Skills Center: academic skills coaches help new students learn how to succeed in college by studying and completing homework properly.
Reading Center: offers students help with textbook reading and comprehension skills and helps students with dyslexia.
Overall, Gentry says he hopes more students will use the library’s new resources.
“I think most students don’t turn to tutoring until it’s almost too late,” Gentry said. “If they want to be successful, then get on board day one. You don’t have to fail a test to tell you that this can be helpful. It’s kind of like Alma 32. We don’t have to be compelled to be humble, we can be humble right now and come get tutoring. It could change [the students’] whole academic experience.”