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!

Library 1st Floor Renovation To Begin July 1st

As you know, Oxford plans to build a new Library and Academic Commons (LAC), a building to properly house the twenty-first century program that we already have in place.  But we are not waiting for the new building to begin to address our needs.  As part of the planning for the new facility, Oxford will launch a "proof of concept" study and demonstration project on the first floor.   We are in the process of clearing space where we can build a working model of the learning environment that will be at the heart of the new LAC.  This area will have teaching, research, and collaborative spaces together with finishes, furniture and equipment like those envisioned for the new building, and everything there can later be used in the new building.  This allows us to test the design directly, pinpointing problems and identifying strengths and weakness-all of which will result in refinement to the ultimate LAC design.

On Tuesday, May 25th, the University Ways and Means Committee approved the budget for the Oxford Library 1st floor renovation with unanimous support. Hugh Tarbutton, Jr.'s significant financial gift and the Board of Counselor's support for this project made the difference in moving the project forward. Construction will begin July 1st and will be completed by August 11, 2010.

On the Radar: the College Librarian's Blog

Library. If this word makes you think about stacks and stacks of books and periodicals, then you are several decades behind! The metaphor for libraries of today and certainly the future is that of a laboratory—a place where information is shared, where collaborative learning takes place... [read more]