2008 Woodie Awards
University considering plans for new library
Angela Valente
Issue date: 11/2/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
By Angela Valente
Staff Reporter
Theresa Liedtka, dean of Lupton Library, announced her desire for the construction of an entirely new library building instead of the renovation of the current facility at a recent SGA meeting.
The reasons behind this suggestion are based both on a conference she recently attended as well as structural challenges in the existing building.
Liedtka explained that plans to renovate the existing library have existed for about 10 years, but after attending workshops and listening to others who had been through a renovation/expansion experience, she returned to UTC with an entirely new vision.
"The bottom line is … having construction throughout the day creates an atmosphere where I don't think students or faculty would be able to focus or learn effectively," she said. According to Liedtka, the library has been housed in the present facility since mid-January of 1974 and is in need of some repairs.
Janet Spraker, director of facilities, explained that the current replacement of the roof is being completed as part of a capital maintenance project, and it would have to be done regardless of what happens with that building. There are structural challenges entirely separate from the roof that make it a difficult building to renovate. Liedtka elaborated on two specifically: "…Currently in the library, we have water pipes below and above us on every floor which is really challenging when you're trying to wire a new building for information technology." In addition, she said that, "The flat roof hasn't held up very well," leading to leaks that damage the collection of books and require staff members to move their offices.
Liedtka confirmed that the project has been presented to the vice chancellor's office as well as to the department of facilities planning and management, and has received enthusiastic support. Final approval must come from the UT System, however, since that is how the funding for the project will be provided.
Currently, there are no blueprints or a definite construction space set aside for a new library building, but both Liedtka and the student workers are excited about the possibilities of a new facility.
"We'd welcome the Walker Teaching Resource Center, the writing lab, we'd take classrooms ... We really want to be the center of campus and an environment where students want to be," Liedtka said.
Chris Scott, a senior from Fayetteville, Tenn., said, "The new building would be useful for the increasing resources the library is acquiring."
Staff Reporter
Theresa Liedtka, dean of Lupton Library, announced her desire for the construction of an entirely new library building instead of the renovation of the current facility at a recent SGA meeting.
The reasons behind this suggestion are based both on a conference she recently attended as well as structural challenges in the existing building.
Liedtka explained that plans to renovate the existing library have existed for about 10 years, but after attending workshops and listening to others who had been through a renovation/expansion experience, she returned to UTC with an entirely new vision.
"The bottom line is … having construction throughout the day creates an atmosphere where I don't think students or faculty would be able to focus or learn effectively," she said. According to Liedtka, the library has been housed in the present facility since mid-January of 1974 and is in need of some repairs.
Janet Spraker, director of facilities, explained that the current replacement of the roof is being completed as part of a capital maintenance project, and it would have to be done regardless of what happens with that building. There are structural challenges entirely separate from the roof that make it a difficult building to renovate. Liedtka elaborated on two specifically: "…Currently in the library, we have water pipes below and above us on every floor which is really challenging when you're trying to wire a new building for information technology." In addition, she said that, "The flat roof hasn't held up very well," leading to leaks that damage the collection of books and require staff members to move their offices.
Liedtka confirmed that the project has been presented to the vice chancellor's office as well as to the department of facilities planning and management, and has received enthusiastic support. Final approval must come from the UT System, however, since that is how the funding for the project will be provided.
Currently, there are no blueprints or a definite construction space set aside for a new library building, but both Liedtka and the student workers are excited about the possibilities of a new facility.
"We'd welcome the Walker Teaching Resource Center, the writing lab, we'd take classrooms ... We really want to be the center of campus and an environment where students want to be," Liedtka said.
Chris Scott, a senior from Fayetteville, Tenn., said, "The new building would be useful for the increasing resources the library is acquiring."
