UAFS unveils look of new $14.5 million library expansion

story submitted by the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith

Those attending the Dec. 7 meeting of the Board of Visitors at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith received a special treat when architect Galen Hunter provided a glimpse of what’s in store for Boreham Library as UAFS moves forward with a planned $14.5 million expansion.

Hunter displayed a scale model of the project, which MAHG Architecture completed during the firm’s work with the university during the design and development stage. Facets of the 40,000-square-foot addition were also explained through the use of a computer model. The current library is 30,000 square feet in size.

Construction is expected to begin in April and continue for approximately 18 months, which places a completion date in fall 2010.

The library’s expansion includes several areas designed to provide research support for economic development and entrepreneurial needs of the Fort Smith area as part of a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In other funding for the expansion, UAFS received $2 million in federal stimulus money from Gov. Mike Beebe’s office and $760,000 from Sen. Denny Altes through the General Improvement Fund. The sale of bonds, which was approved by a vote of the University of Arkansas System Board in early November, will also assist with financing. Those bonds were sold this week, and funds from the sale will be available in the project fund later this month.

Hunter spoke on the added features coming on the inside of the library, as well as what to expect from the outside.

“The building in the evening is going to glow as you come by it,” he said, showing where the glass windows face, not only the campus but to drivers along Waldron Road.
 
“As you drive by on Waldron, you will see inside and see the activity,” said Hunter, who added that activity can also be seen through windows to a stairwell on the south side. It features a mid-landing point enlarged as a study space.

The enlarged and renovated library has an even more important facet, according to
Dr. Paul B. Beran, UAFS chancellor, who said this addition to the university will make the library “the true intellectual center of our institution.”

“One of the hallmarks of any university should be a library that embodies the research and support capacity needed by students and the community for their intellectual pursuits,” said Beran. “This expansion takes the current Boreham Library to that new level.”

Once completed, the library will have a 75% increase in collection size capacity. The current library opened in 1987 with only four computers and three typewriters for students to use. The new library will also have, among additional computers, an array of advanced technologies.

Hunter and Beran stressed that the project is more than an expansion, calling it a re-tooling and renovation of the existing building, to include new roofing, windows and increased electrical capacity. The addition visually will tie in to the older part with a great deal of natural light utilized in various ways.

Library director Wilma Cunningham indicated the largest shelving increase would be for the non-fiction collection.

“This supports the academic programs of the university, which have grown in number with the addition of multiple four-year degrees since 2002,” Cunningham said.

Also provided in the new library is a 24-hour zone, which allows students to have access to computers, study spaces, snacks and restrooms.

“I am so excited about the wonderful new space, advanced technology and the expanded hours we will be able to provide for students, faculty and the community,” said Cunningham.
 
Another visual aspect of the addition is the exterior design, calling for a different main entry than what is used currently. Hunter showed the new main entry oriented toward the heart of the campus, the Campus Green. Another entrance will be available on the north side of the building.