The Brooks Lounge, located on the first floor of the Alumni Memorial Union just past Union Station, is intended as a place for university students to come and relax, play pool, throw darts and meet with friends.

However, according to a nonscientific online survey conducted in April by the AMU Advisory Board and released over the summer, usage of the area has slowed to a trickle. Of the 825 respondents, only 12 people said they snacked in the Brooks Lounge at least once a week and 82 percent said they have never snacked there. Also, 78 percent of respondents said they have never used the facility.

"Primarily, it is a hangout space provided for the students," said AMU Executive Director Todd Vicker. "Basically, (the space is for) whatever they want it to be, whether for studying, snacks or just a place to hang out in the AMU."

Vicker attributed the decline in traffic to the nationwide decline of gaming at universities due to video games and other electronic forms of entertainment.

Students say they have used the space, but not often.

"I've hung out there a few times, mostly freshman year," said College of Arts & Sciences junior Sarah Henn. "It can be a good place for something to do with a bigger group since there's lots of space."

Some were aware of other uses for the area.

"I do not hang out there very much; I'm not much of a pool player," said College of Arts & Sciences senior John Tate. "But I know professors like to use it as a meeting place because it is not as intimidating as an office."

The lounge offers two big-screen TVs, a dartboard, six full-sized arcade games and five pool tables. Billiards cost $1 an hour from 4 to 7 p.m. daily, and the lounge hosts 8-ball and 9-ball tournaments each semester. Board games can be used free of charge with an MUID. Nachos, popcorn and soda are also sold.

Some who tried hanging out in the lounge found they liked it.

"I went to the Brooks Lounge the other day for the first time. I never knew it existed but it seemed like a cool place," said College of Business Administration freshman Mike Bevan.

Because of the lack of student use, the AMU Advisory Board has discussed other possible uses of the space for organizations and clubs. With the growth of student organizations and activities, the university is searching for space wherever available.

While there are no immediate plans to close the Brooks Lounge, Vicker said the AMU board was asking itself "and our students if there is a better use for this space. The lounge is not meant to be a revenue producer. It is here as an alternative for students who need a place to hang out, play games or just to study."