Miami University

News Release

News and Public Information Office
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Miami University
Oxford, Ohio 45056
(513) 529-7592
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newsinfo@muohio.edu

Doors open to Miami's new Business, Engineering, Science and Technology Library

08/19/2011

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“The Screens of Afflatus,” created by Ohio artist Giancarlo Calicchia through the Ohio Arts Council – One Percent for Art Program welcomes patrons to Miami University's Business, Engineering, Science and Technology Library.

Miami University Libraries opens the door to its new Business, Engineering, Science and Technology Library Monday, Aug. 22. The remodeled facility now located in Laws Hall replaces the Brill Science Library formerly in Hughes Laboratories, and houses the specialty subject library services for the areas of natural sciences, engineering and business.

When library patrons enter the facility, they are greeted by a piece of artwork, “The Screens of Afflatus,” created by Ohio artist Giancarlo Calicchia through the Ohio Arts Council – One Percent for Art Program. (Afflatus - a divine creative impulse or inspiration)

The 6-foot-long partition of stained glass depicts all of the five specialty areas — the natural sciences including psychology and physical geography, as well as the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Farmer School of Business.

Among the many new features of the library, an open-floor concept design allows for flexible seating areas for students to study on their own or work together. In addition, students who need a quiet space to study will find comfortable chairs and readily available outlets for laptop adapters, or may request one of the individual study rooms.

“We are pleased that we were able to meet the needs of our patrons with respect to research, collaboration, study and instruction,” said Judith Sessions, dean of Miami’s Libraries.

In order to create additional space for patrons, compact shelving units now store the library’s print collection. Some parts of the print collection, particularly the print journals, are not housed at Laws but will be made available “direct-to-your-desktop” with an online request system.

Student groups may request one of 13 group study rooms using the Libraries’ new online reservation system; three rooms are equipped with Epson projectors and electronic whiteboards. Honors students and graduate students can meet in designated reading rooms located on the second floor.

Students also have access to 40 public computers, both PC and Mac, with software such as 3D visualization supporting academic programs and coursework.

The new location also features a 36-seat library instruction room that is equipped with all-digital technology for hands-on training and practice. In addition, a simulated boardroom is equipped with videoconferencing capabilities.

During the renovation process, Miami used a number of environmentally friendly materials. About 75 percent of the demolished materials from Laws were diverted from landfills. The paint and adhesives used have low-volatile organic compounds. Carpet is made from recycled fibers, and the rubber flooring is made from recycled rubber. In addition, the replacement of old single-pane windows contributes to the overall university energy reduction goals, as does new mechanical equipment.

Grays and muted greens and blues are used throughout the space, which includes the main floor, a basement level housing the print collection, and a second floor. Hours of operation are: 7:30 a.m.-midnight, Mondays through Thursdays; 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m.-6 p.m Saturdays; and 11 a.m.-midnight on Sundays.