National Magazine Features The Ames Library Oct. 22, 2002 The Ames Library at Illinois Wesleyan University is featured as a cover story in the October 2002 issue of University Business. The magazine's special report is titled "The College Library in the New Ages," and The Ames Library is one of two libraries chosen as case studies in examining the challenge of building a new facility that will last in the 21st century. In addition to The Ames Library, the other case study is Schow Science Library at Williams College. In describing the challenge that The Ames Library presented, Geoffrey Freeman, a partner in the Boston-based architectural firm Shepley Bulfinch Richardson and Abbott (SBRA) that designed the new Illinois Wesleyan facility, said "Our main challenge at Illinois Wesleyan was to design a library that is more than a 30-year building; one that will last for generations." The Ames Library, which observed its grand opening in February 2002, has had an immediate impact on the University with significant increase in usage patterns. The initial survey in February showed a 160 percent increase in library patrons, and later surveys have indicated continued increases in usage. The Ames Library, a 103,000-square-foot, five-story building, replaced the 42,000-square-foot Sheean Library, which was constructed in 1968. The Ames Library accommodates more than 400,000 volumes, along with a minimum of 100 computer workstations and seating for approximately 500 located throughout the building. |
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