Library Renovations Update

If you haven’t already seen the renovated first floor of the library, I invite you to stop by and take a look.  You will be amazed at the transformation!  Our students love the new space – one commented “the library rocks.”  Take a look at the video written, directed, filmed and edited by Ien Chi about Oxford’s 21st century library. Library Video - Hub of Living and Learning.

We must give tremendous credit to Hugh Tarbutton, Jr. for urging us to think creatively in the current economic environment, providing the resources to complete this “Proof-of-Concept” project, and helping us see the possibilities for the new Library and Academic Commons.

As a result of the "Proof of Concept" project we learned:
•    Compact shelving can reduce the additional square footage required for the project
•    Library could be completed with a much reduced foot print and budget
•    Renovation of the existing facility and “wrapping the building” with an improved exterior and additional space is a feasible way to complete the fundraising and construction far sooner than was thought possible

Our next step in the planning process will be to complete an Architectural Concept Study beginning mid-October with a completion date of December 2010.  Key outcomes from this next phase of planning will be:
•    Confirmed program elements for the project
•    Conceptual renderings for fundraising
•    Updated total project cost estimate for fundraising
Look for ongoing updates about the project here in Dooley Noted!