Amber Monroe (chair)
Tom Raffensperger
Corinne Ebbs
Becca Brody
Lori Carrier
Beth Gamble
Meeting 1: Monday, April 10th
Agenda Item:
7.2 Strategic Priority Area: Library Space
7.2.1 Library Space Renovation
Description: Currently the Library stack tower is used primarily for housing collections and for
some study space. As collections become more available and used in digital format, particularly
in STEM fields, there is an opportunity to convert space now used for these physical resources
into dynamic event and performance spaces as well as much-needed study rooms. The
envelope of the building is in unimproved condition from the time of the construction of the
building in 1972. The windows are single-pane, loose, and allow infiltration of moisture and
insect pests. Already a mold infection in 2015 resulted in $40,000 in remediation costs. This is a
major project which includes developing a vision for the use of space; description of
prospective impacts and outcomes; weeding of the collection to free up necessary space for
new uses; engagement of an architect to develop initial criteria/needs and develop a cost
estimate; identification of funding sources; creation of an architectural program and plans and
actual physical renovation. The process will likely include creation of a needs statement/vision
document; the engagement of a “house doctor” architect to create an architectural program,
identification of funding, then further plans and project implementation.
Measurable outcomes: Completion of each of the stages described above.
Responsibility: Library space working group: Amber Monroe (Chair), Lori Carrier, Corinne Ebbs,
Beth Gamble, Tom Raffensperger
Timeline: TBD by Working Group
Resources: Working group member time and significant funding from the
University/DCAMM/other sources
Strategic Priority 5.2 Library Spaces
The library currently offers an array of useful spaces and technologies available 92 hours a week
and catering to a variety of needs. The library is a hub of academic activity and is the single
largest academic space on campus. It plays a key role in student engagement, providing a place
for individual and group academic work away from the pressures and distractions of daily life. It
also provides a focal point for academic programming outside the classroom, such as the
Faculty Author series. Through the Summer Bridge program, the library provides firstgeneration students and students of color with an early introduction in order to promote a
sense of safety and belonging. While partnering with other units such as the Technology
Support Desk and the CARE center provides more robust services to students in a single
building, it also puts pressure on traditional library uses, such as open study space, group study
rooms, and public event spaces. The library has the opportunity to convert space now used for
print collections to fill other more pressing and active space needs. The library currently lacks
dedicated quiet study space (though the stacks are used as such) and needs more study rooms.
The workspaces on the 6th floor are also in need of greater privacy/acoustics management. We
also have the opportunity to create public presentation and performance spaces to allow more
dynamic use of the library without disrupting other activities. The library stacks floors have a
degraded building envelope which is pervious to both the elements and pests, endangering
collections and creating poor working conditions for staff. Also many parts of the stack floors do
not meet ADA requirements. Library spaces, and specifically the stacks, was an area
consistently identified as a priority both in the SWOT/SOAR exercise and the identification of
strategic priority areas. This strategic priority area supports the University Strategic Plan in
Enrollment, Student Engagement, Resources, and Culture.
