A new look for the Library entrance will create wall of windows to allow more natural light into the first floor reception area.
Exciting changes are happening as the University Libraries are being transformed into a modern, technologically equipped, learner-centered resource for 21st century teaching and learning. The current renovation of the William Knox Holt Memorial Library on the Stockton Campus is part of the libraries' redesign plans to provide holistic and supportive learning experiences that reflect how students live and learn today.
The library renovation will transform the reception area into a lighter, more open "vertical village," that opens to the second floor.
The first floor Great Room will provide open and flexible spaces for individual study or group collaboration.
A larger cafe area will be located in the area of the current Community Room and open onto the patio.
Students have already been taking advantage of the high-tech resources in the CUBE.
Additional forums, conversations and workshops have provided students, staff and faculty opportunities to provide feedback as the renovation moves forward. Students attended a workshop in January to look at furniture ideas from other recent library renovations and share their insights and preferences and a small group of engaged students went on a field trip to view furniture options in February.
The existing tangible collection has been moved to its new location on the Garden Level, making way for renovations on the first and second floors.The top student-requested furniture, Agati study pods, are in place and in use on the first floor.
The first floor now houses The Cube, an innovative new space for students, faculty and staff that provides cutting edge technology - including a 3-D printer, drones, computer design software, virtual reality equipment and software and more - to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation. Faculty and program directors from all disciplines, as well as members of student organizations, are invited to visit The Cube to explore opportunities for academic projects, experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Another new resource to support faculty and student research and scholarship is Scholarly Commons, a centralized, digital repository for Pacific's scholarly and creative works launched last spring. This hosting environment showcases the intellectual and creative output of Pacific faculty, students, alumni and staff, ensures its long-term preservation and increases accessibility worldwide via online access. In addition to providing an archive of scholarly and creative work, Scholarly Commons can also host faculty digital CVs.
Consolidating student academic support services into an Academic Success Hub has already begun. The General Academic Tutoring Center and math developmental tutoring have been relocated adjacent to the Writing Center on the second floor of the Library. Biology professor Kirkwood Land launched a Bio Hub for academic support in biology which has included weekly sessions scheduled in a library classroom. A Student Athlete Study Hall has also been scheduled in the new Hub this semester.
In addition, Pacific Technology now offers a walk-in Helpdesk at the Library front desk to make technology services more readily available and with extended hours. Services are available Monday to Thursday 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. and Friday 2:30 - 6:00 p.m. Pacific Technology will sponsor a Pac Tech Fair from noon to 2 p.m. in the Library April 26 to showcase Helpdesk services, technology tools available to students, faculty and staff and other resources, including a virtual reality lab.
At its February meeting, the Board of Regents approved the $11 million library project to move into the construction phase. Structural renovations could begin this summer, starting with the north entrance area, atrium and first floor. The project is a priority of the university's Leading with Purpose fundraising campaign, and the Library is actively working with Development colleagues on fundraising efforts to complete the project by 2020.
The north entrance will be revitalized to create an open and transparent face.
Space on the first and second floors will be opened to allow natural light to illuminate lower floors.
New first floor spaces will include an expanded café, digital wall, digital Muir museum, open study areas, permanent space for the Cube, and Media X digital gallery and editing rooms.
New second floor spaces will include upgraded classrooms, a reading room, quiet collaboration spaces, a permanent home for the Student Academic Success Hub, and an expanded and enhanced Center for Teaching and Learning.
The third floor will include undergraduate education services offices and a large community meeting room with 3-city connectivity.
The tangible book collection and Holt-Atherton Special Collections will remain consolidated on the Garden Level.
Follow the progress of the renovation on the Library Sharepoint site (Pacific login required). The Library is also planning a dedicated website for the renovation.