Atlanta University Center Woodruff Library Cuts Ribbon for Phase I Renovation
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Posted By: Adrian Carver on August 27, 2010 With the ceremonial cutting of a ribbon, the Board of Trustees of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library officially dedicated its newly renovated 21st century learning environment. Among the more than 300 guests were guest speaker Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, the presidents of the four AUC Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and representatives from the Woodruff Foundation, the Bank of America and The Coca-Cola Foundation. Guests were entertained by Atlanta University Center musical groups, including the Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panthers drumline, the Morehouse College “House of Funk” Marching Band brass section and the Spelman College Glee Club Ensemble. Guided tours and commemorative gifts were also presented. The first of a two-phase project, the renovation completed in May 2010 encompassed more than 130,000 square feet of the AUC Woodruff Library’s 220,000-square-foot facility. Renovated spaces include a new main level Learning Commons with Technology Design Studio, totally redesigned archives reading room, new Graduate Study and Quiet Study Suites, as well as new and refurbished collaborative study rooms. This is the first major interior upgrade since the building’s dedication in 1982. “Library staff are constantly transforming programs to enrich teaching and learning and to accommodate new technologies,” said Mrs. Loretta Parham, AUC Woodruff Library CEO & Director. “The new and improved spaces in this phase of the renovation will improve our capacity to provide enhanced programs, services and resources that support the academic goals and objectives of our AUC schools.” In addition, the Library’s rich archival collections and research resources make it destination for residents of and visitors to the City of Atlanta, Parham said. In December of 2005, the architectural firm of Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott (Boston, Mass.) developed and presented “A Master Plan for the 21st Century” to the Library Board of Trustees detailing a two-phase renovation and construction project designed to transform and propel the AUC Woodruff Library closer to its vision being a GREAT library that is the first and best choice for the AUC community. The primary focus of the Phase I project was the creation of the new “Woodi Learning Commons” supporting the collaborative, interactive and technology rich teaching, learning and research methods of today’s AUC students and faculty. The Learning Commons integrates digital and print information resources with classrooms, private spaces for reference consultations, learning labs, open seating and collaborative study rooms. A full-service café, proudly brewing Starbucks™ coffee, and print shop managed by Xerox, also provide for an enhanced research and study experience. Construction on the project, also designed by Shepley Bulfinch, began in May 2009 and was completed in May 2010. Library operations continued throughout renovation with few construction-related disruptions and closures. Turner Construction Special Projects, general contractor, and Silverman CPM, the project’s construction program management firm, developed a four-phase construction plan that allowed for timely relocation of staff to temporary “swing spaces” and seamless reopening of completed spaces. Here is a floor by floor overview of the renovated spaces… MAIN LEVEL “Woodi Learning Commons” featuring: • “Technology Design Studio” with fully outfitted video and audio editing rooms, and presentation practice rooms (constructed with support from The Coca Cola Company) • “Information Services Center” for “one-stop” circulation, general information and reference consultation assistance • Four new high-tech and flexible classroom spaces • Twelve new and refurbished group study rooms • “The Exchange” collaboration area to support the Library’s Center for Integrating Technology and Teaching and the AUC Career Planning and Placement program • AUC Library Document Center with color copying, binding, cutting, publication and large format production capabilities • “Woodi Café proudly brewing Starbucks™ coffee and serving pastries, cold sandwiches and salads UPPER LEVEL Archives Research Center and Meeting Spaces, featuring: • Totally redesigned Archives Research Center reading room (constructed with support from the Bank of America) • Refurbished Archives Research Center work area • Seven refurbished group study/meeting spaces LOWER LEVEL Quiet Study Spaces, featuring: • Graduate Study Suite with direct access to bound journal, microfilm/microfiche and theses and dissertation collections • Quiet Study Suite Phase II Renovation Plans The second installment of the two-phase renovation of the AUC Woodruff Library will further enhance resources, services and building stewardship. Priorities to be addressed include upgrades to the Library’s Exhibition Hall event space and sustained long-term protection for irreplaceable and internationally prominent archival collections, including the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection and others. At an estimated cost of $7.5 million, the next phase of renovation will also add LEED energy efficient and environmentally sustainable elements to the existing building. About the Library Constructed in 1982, the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library is an independent entity organized and operated for the exclusive benefit of its member institutions—Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College. With a combined enrollment of nearly 10,000 students, these colleges and university represent the world’s largest consortium of historically black institutions of higher learning. The Library bears the name of the late Robert Winship Woodruff, longtime Coca-Cola CEO and Atlanta philanthropist, who donated $10 million of his personal fortune toward the original Library construction in 1980. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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