The Building

Combining space and services in an environment that inspires learning and interaction, the library building brings together the intellectual and social aspects of the institution in a beautiful facility.

Size:

250,000 gross square feet - 187,500 net square feet. Four floors above ground, fully accessible to all persons with disabilities

University Administration at time of construction:

Dr. James E. Walker, President
Dr. Barbara Haskew, Provost/VP Academic Affairs
Dr. Duane Stucky, VP Finance and Administration
Dr. Robert C. Lalance, Jr., VP Student Affairs
Dr. Linda P. Hare, VP Development and University Relations
Dr. R. Earl Thomas, VP Executive Affairs

Opening:

Spring 1999

Joint Venture Designer:

Thomas, Miller & Partners & I C Thomasson Associates, Inc.

Architect:

Thomas, Miller & Partners, Nashville

Auspices:

State of Tennessee, Tennessee Board of Regents, Tennessee Higher Education Commission, State Building Commission, SBC Project No. 166/009-06-94.

Figures:

800,000 volume capacity
1,500 general reader seats
1,000 individual study carrel seats
180 seats in 43 group study rooms
60 faculty research studies
350 public computer workstations
100 seats in two library instruction rooms
60 microfilm stations
100 offices and workstations

The James E. Walker Library is located in the central academic core of campus. Along with the Business and Aerospace Building and the Bragg Mass Communication Building, it defines the boundaries of a large, public quadrangle. The design of the library includes a four-floor atrium which serves as the central organizing element for the interior spaces, bringing controlled natural daylight to the reader and study spaces within the building.

The building infrastructure includes an extensive electronic information distribution system that is connected to the campus-wide, fiber optic backbone. It allows 1,800 connection points throughout the building in study, office, and public areas. In addition, a wireless network is provided. Library instruction rooms are equipped to support state-of-the-art multimedia instruction techniques in accessing and retrieving electronic information resources.

First Floor

The atrium is the most distinguishing feature of the library. Sixty feet wide by sixty feet long and seventy- two feet high, it is accented with a generous and creative blend of both natural and artificial light, serving as a prime focus of the building and the central organizing element for major service areas.

A student study room with 90 seats, restrooms, and cafe is available inside the front doors of the building.

The Reference/Information area offers 40 computers for accessing the library online catalog. The Electronic Information Center includes 60 microcomputers to conduct searches of local and remote information networks.

The Adaptive Technologies Center provides access to information via equipment designed for students with disabilities.

The copy center provides facilities to reproduce notes and sections from library books and journals. Smaller centers are located on each upper floor of the library.

At the rear of the first floor are the periodicals and newspaper collections. A glass-enclosed stairway leads to the upper floors.

Second Floor

Microtext
Instructional Rooms
User Services Offices
Individual and Group Study Areas
Faculty Research Studies
Graduate Study Carrels

Two instructional rooms provide library staff with state-of-the-art technology to teach students how to access, retrieve, and utilize information. More than 40 group study rooms provide an ideal environment for learning projects and small group interaction. Faculty research studies are located at the rear of the building on floors 2-4. The ability to perform research in an inviting setting is important for faculty growth and effective teaching. Sixty faculty research studies are available throughout the library on a semester basis. Over 140 reserved carrels are provided to graduate students needing a place for extended study and research.

Third Floor

Collection Management
Curriculum Collection
Small Group Studies
Book Collection Stacks
Faculty Research Studies
Graduate Study Carrels

A large study area offers the opportunity for study and research. A small balcony is flanked by two larger study areas, both with individual and small group seating.

Fourth Floor

Library Administration
Library Systems
Book Collection Stacks
Special Collections
Faculty Research Studies
Graduate Study Carrels

Special Collections is a repository for historical and unique materials that enrich the educational experience. This area offers an inviting space where individuals can touch some of the library’s rare and valuable resources.