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What's Up: The Transforming Library

eNews Edition: Summer 2014

One year ago, in the summer of 2013, the Oviatt clearly outlined an ambitious new vision for the Library’s future. The introduction of this comprehensive Vision-Strategy Statement opens with the following: “Society at large and higher education in particular are in the midst of revolutionary changes in information flow and approaches to learning. In response, the Oviatt Library has embarked on a number of initiatives that will transform the face of our facility and our services.” While the streamlined, technology rich, new Learning Commons is an undeniable manifestation of this all-encompassing plan, the full vision is far from complete.

Introducing the Creative Media StudioWith the generous support of Campus Quality Fee (CQF) funding, this coming fall will see the opening of the Library’s new Creative Media Studio (CMS). This state-of-the-art space will provide students with the equipment, resources and support they need to create a wide variety of first-rate, multimedia projects. The CMS will be equipped with iMac workstations; cutting-edge software; a soundproof recording studio; and dedicated video cameras, audio recorders, and a scanner.

This fall also will see the dedication of the Bob Gohstand and Maureen Kelly Reading Room. This quiet, sun-filled space in the west wing on the Library’s second floor will offer patrons a special collection of materials specifically curated for pleasure reading. This newly appointed space will provide guests with a comfortable and cozy environment where they can set aside their research and studies for a while. The inviting ambiance will encourage readers to simply relax and enjoy the adventure of getting lost in a good book.

Final plans are almost ready and construction will soon begin on the expansion of the Oviatt’s Special Collections and Archives. The staff and faculty who work in this robust department will finally be brought together into one well-organized and highly functional space. A new and larger layout, the staff’s more convenient proximity, and a redesigned Special Collections and Archives Reading Room will all undoubtedly work together to ease and increase patron accessibility to the treasure trove of unique and valuable primary source materials that are held in this vital department.

iMac computer iconAll of this and more is in store just in the coming semester. As this comprehensive plan continues to unfold and the sprawling theoretical vision becomes increasingly more concrete, we invite you to make periodic visits to The Transforming Library blog to stay up-to-date on all the exciting progress that is being made. This page will continue to provide information on timelines, photo galleries, and communication updates. There is also a feedback link, so please feel free to let us know how we are doing. After all, when the last cloud of renovation dust has finally settled, the Library’s core mission will remain unchanged. The Oviatt is here “to support the diverse information needs of our community,” and your insights will always be an essential part of our ever-expanding vision.