Fort Valley State University News December 8, 2010 FVSU Library Renovations Draw Students Fort Valley State University’s Hunt Memorial Library is quickly becoming the most hip spot on campus to study, socialize and get cozy with a hot cup of coffee. The facility’s sparsely furnished lobby has a new look, modern furniture and technology. The once-empty lobby is springing to life from the first to the third floors. Near the ground level, Jazzman’s Café, FVSU students eat pastries, sip coffee, and surf the Internet on high top tables. Meanwhile, study groups peruse notes for upcoming finals while relaxing in comfortable chairs with desk attachments. Judging from the reaction of students, the space is more welcoming and appealing. “I think this is a nice set up that they’ve got here at the library,” says Joseph Frye, a sophomore majoring in agriculture education from McDonough, Ga. “Before, the library’s first floor was just empty space, and you had to try and find a place to study. Now, they’ve got plenty of chairs.” Within two weeks, the remodeling project will be completed. “I’m just impressed,” says Mbonya Myers, a sophomore accounting student from Columbus, Ga. “It actually looks like a college library now.” A $2 million grant through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) paid for the $250,000 renovation project. The grant was approved in 2008 and then renewed for a second year. According to Dr. Annie Payton, the library’s director, the library is using the money to remodel its interior, upgrade technology and enhance its print and electronic collections. The CCRAA positioned FVSU’s library to smoothly transition with other academic libraries’ paradigm shift from print to digital. “We’re pleased with the changes, most of all, students are pleased,” says Payton, who monitors a social networking site for feedback from the FVSU family about the project. “We keep up with the Tweets (on Twitter) of our students, and most of them love the changes.” Remodeling began earlier this year, but the library remained open. The building’s new electrical grid, constructed by the “Power One” company, is 95 percent complete and can handle the laptop and cell phone needs of students. Rich, gray carpets—suited to withstand spills and heavy traffic—are in place. During Thanksgiving break, workers moved in new carrel desks, chairs and tables. Even the old circulation desk was replaced. “It is a total transformation for students,” Payton says. “Many ask, ‘am I in the right place?’” Flashy, new gadgets are drawing a big audience. There’s a high definition television in the lobby. Ten new iPads and eight new e-readers are on-site and ready for student and faculty use. The facility also has its first iMac lab. Hunt’s Information Technology technician, Stephen Moffett, says the new Mac lab is a small experiment. “If students use these machines,” he says, “the library will soon buy more.” The lab currently has three Macs. Apple lovers can use their favorite software, such as iTunes, the Safari Web browser, and even Microsoft Office programs. FVSU’s Hall of Fame Room was also remodeled. A v-shaped meeting table that symbolizes “The Valley” is in place. The walls are filled with FVSU Hall of Fame inductees, including a photograph of the library’s archivist, Wilmetta Jackson, who was recently inducted in Oct. There is a movable lectern and an on-site buffet to serve food. The conference room, which will host 32 visitors, is open to community groups. The project’s last phase is the new media lab. The library recently acquired access to Films on Demand. The movies include educational titles and collections in all academic disciplines are enhanced. Hunt is in negotiations to acquire science-related eBook titles. Each year, 40 new titles will be added. Students and faculty can access materials 24-hours a day. “We’re slowly moving away from print books to print-on-demand books,” says Payton. For more information about changes at the library, or to book the Hall of Fame Room, contact Payton at (478) 825-6342. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org www.hbculibraries.org 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org Honor the ancestors, honor the children.