In May of 2012 the University of Portland began a major renovation of the Wilson W. Clark Memorial Library. The 12 million dollar renovation transforms traditional library space into a 21st century learning center. The library will emerge as the shared Learning Commons of the University with a grand terrace and welcoming, transparent entry to the quad. And, of course, Spacesaver!
Main Floor Plan - The Learning Lab
The L-Lab will be a highly flexible space for independent and collaborative learning, with Reference Librarians and Technology Assistants to guide the research process. This floor and the upper floor will also be open as a 24/7 study space.
Upper Floor Plan - The Media Lab
The M-Lab will be a creative production space for developing and editing multimedia assignments and teaching units, supported with expert staff guidance. The library classroom and more study spaces will also be on this floor.
Lower Floor Plan - The Study Lab
The S-Lab will be a quiet, traditional study zone adjacent to the Library's rich print and media collections. Study rooms and seating around a fireplace will make this a cozy space for focused study.
So, where are the books? According to the University 70% of the old library floor space was devoted to housing books. In the "new" library just 25% of the floor space is needed to store the entire collection on the lower level in two very large Spacesaver compact systems.
You can learn more about this important project at www.library.up.edu.
