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• 1 media/photo-courtesy-ames-library-paul-schley-scaled.webp media/1996_02_23AntiRacism_Neg334_NicoleBrown99farright.jpg 2024-07-12T19:25:19+00:00 Library Planning and Blueprint analysis 25 image_header 2024-07-18T18:19:10+00:00

  
  
  When Buck was built in 1923 with its magnificent gothic structure, it was still, at its core, a repository of books - in short, a storage space. There were individual study carrels that reflected traditional pedagogy, with a sense of rigidity that echoed the fact that libraries were only meant for serious study, nothing more. As a student of the modern age, this appears stifling at the very least but is only fitting for the academic environment of the time. When planning began for our second library, Sheean, the planning document said that the lobby should allow students to adjust “from outside environment of social activity to inside environment of serious study.” This reflected a view of the library still being a sanctum of study, but at the same time, definitions of student space had begun to change. The library featured lounges on every floor for relaxation, was strategically located near dorms to encourage evening study, and included group study rooms—a significant departure from Buck. 

  In fact, Sheean, which stood in the spot now occupied by State Farm Hall, became a hub of student voices as the main site for protests. From candlelight vigils to anti-racism protests, Sheean’s steps became the mouthpiece of student unease. This was a powerful use of the library, and even though it didn’t reflect use of its interior resources, its very use as a site of protest showcased the centrality and importance of its location. Sheean was also a building characterized by technological innovations, much to the awe and excitement of students and faculty alike. However, as gathered from Sue Anderson interview, who was the University Librarian of the time, the library itself had no research prestige on campus. If a student needed a resource, they were often directed to ISU. While a bigger library was always on the horizon, the planning of Ames was directed towards a different purpose - student use, accessibility, and the encouragement of research.

  In the planning document for Ames from 16th July, 1998, two main goals were listed as “Technology within Tradition '' and “Collaboration between students and faculty”. It stated that computer workstations were to be furnished with adequate seating to encourage faculty and students to work together while gathering information. Assistance from library personnel was to be readily available for students in their research process, and group study rooms were to be made available for faculty-student groups as well as student projects.
  
  As planning continued, it was interesting to find important priorities for the new libraries. After Sheean’s narrow windows, Ames had to be built with large windows for natural sunlight, creating a more inviting space. In the "Memorandum of Meeting" from September 8th, 1998, it was made clear that “all carrels and every seat at all tables in the open areas and all tables in group study and project rooms shall be equipped with power and data''. Even though it seems minor, it goes to show how student convenience in these spaces were emphasized.

  Below is a video to help you go through our floor plans and analyze how they have changed!