University Of North Carolina Greensboro issued the following announcement on Dec. 24.
A campus landmark is finally getting some love.
In the recently approved 2022 state budget, UNC Greensboro was awarded $81 million to renovate and expand the beloved 71-year-old Walter Clinton Jackson Library. Named after UNCG’s third chancellor, it’s the most popular venue on campus with 10,000 visitors daily and 1.25 million annually.
Originally built in 1950 with two stories and a basement, the library has not seen significant updates since the addition of the nine-story tower in 1973. Since then, the University’s enrollment has tripled. Beyond accommodating increased foot traffic, the library needs new fire suppression systems, ADA-compliant access for doorways and aisles, expanded storage for books, archives, and special collections, as well as access to the most up-to-date technology resources for students, including study spaces.
The good news is we can have the best of both worlds, ushering in the new while preserving the architectural beauty of the original structure.
According to Sameer Kapileshwari, associate vice chancellor for facilities, the architectural plans are designed to preserve the historical original building while implementing much needed renovations and expansions, including electrical, plumbing, life safety and accessibility, among others.
Renovations and upgrades are expected to take place over the course of several years in stages to ensure the library remains open and operational during the construction process.
TODAY’S ACADEMIC LIBRARY
Michael Crumpton, interim dean of University Libraries, points out that the academic library of today is much different that the academic library of the past. The academic library today serves multiple purposes in supporting higher education activities through its use of flexible spaces and learning commons that support the curriculum of the institution and further the research of its faculty and students. In today’s modern climate, academic libraries are increasingly changing and taking on new roles in the academic and social life of their institutions. Through capital development projects, such as this one, new places and spaces are developed, and an exciting new role of the academic library has emerged. This change has transformed the academic library into the heart of learning for their institutions, and at UNCG, this impact has made University Libraries the crossroads of knowledge for the campus.
Incorporating the immediate and future needs of all patrons – students, faculty, staff, and community members – academic libraries have become endlessly creative in responding to changes. They are remarkably resilient places and continue to innovate, surprise, and prove their necessity within the social and cultural aspects of campus life. As the role of the academic library expands, this renovated building project can transform Jackson Library into learning, instructional, and collaborative spaces for everyone. These dedicated areas, such as enhanced reading rooms and increasing technology connections, can effectively showcase how academic libraries provide a way of illustrating the institution’s past, as well as its future. Ultimately, academic libraries are a source of pride for their institutions and broader communities, and the Jackson Library renovation will provide the refresh needed to continue to keep our library a relevant and resourceful icon for our beautiful campus.
Original source can be found here.
Source: University Of North Carolina Greensboro
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