2008 Woodie Awards
Library finishes final chapter in updates
Ben Sitzmann
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
As returning students walk through the Kirkwood Community College Library this year they might notice quite a few changes. This is because the library has gone through a complete transformation.
Students might ask why the library needed to be updated and Arron Wings, library director, has all of the answers.
According to Wings, the old library was actually the original structure that was built in 1977. It still contained about 80 percent of the original carpet, desks, bookshelves and furniture.
The electrical, heating and air conditioning all had to be taken out and replaced. The student areas needed to be updated to be more comfortable and with new technology comes the need for new computers.
Wings explained that the planning started two years ago but the physical changes didn't start until the spring of 2006.
In order to keep the library open during that time use was restricted to one floor. The first floor was the first to get remodeled which took approximately eight months.
After completion of the first floor the stairs to the second floor were blocked and the updated first floor was opened for students.
Second floor construction started around the end of the fall semester and was officially finished and open to students June 11, 2007. Wings stated the completed library cost around $2 million to update.
The money came from a bond issue that was passed two years ago by the seven counties surrounding Cedar Rapids, solely for the Kirkwood main campus. The bond is predicted to reach a total of $25 million over a course of 10 years.
In an effort to inform students about the library employees have partnered with College 101 classes.
College 101 is for first-time students and one component about the library resources. Also the library staff are always working with the Kirkwood faculty and staff to bring classes to the library.
Eric Foley, returning Kirkwood student and Accounting major, stated, "The new library is more comfortable and easier to use."
According to Wings the library updates were based on student likes and dislikes. The library staff surveyed individual students and had them test new equipment to get feedback before making final decisions.
Students are urged to give their opinions about the new library so amenities can be added or changed to suit everyone's needs.
Students might ask why the library needed to be updated and Arron Wings, library director, has all of the answers.
According to Wings, the old library was actually the original structure that was built in 1977. It still contained about 80 percent of the original carpet, desks, bookshelves and furniture.
The electrical, heating and air conditioning all had to be taken out and replaced. The student areas needed to be updated to be more comfortable and with new technology comes the need for new computers.
Wings explained that the planning started two years ago but the physical changes didn't start until the spring of 2006.
In order to keep the library open during that time use was restricted to one floor. The first floor was the first to get remodeled which took approximately eight months.
After completion of the first floor the stairs to the second floor were blocked and the updated first floor was opened for students.
Second floor construction started around the end of the fall semester and was officially finished and open to students June 11, 2007. Wings stated the completed library cost around $2 million to update.
The money came from a bond issue that was passed two years ago by the seven counties surrounding Cedar Rapids, solely for the Kirkwood main campus. The bond is predicted to reach a total of $25 million over a course of 10 years.
In an effort to inform students about the library employees have partnered with College 101 classes.
College 101 is for first-time students and one component about the library resources. Also the library staff are always working with the Kirkwood faculty and staff to bring classes to the library.
Eric Foley, returning Kirkwood student and Accounting major, stated, "The new library is more comfortable and easier to use."
According to Wings the library updates were based on student likes and dislikes. The library staff surveyed individual students and had them test new equipment to get feedback before making final decisions.
Students are urged to give their opinions about the new library so amenities can be added or changed to suit everyone's needs.
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