Construction of The Saint John’s Bible Gallery in the auditorium formerly known as AV1 will create a museum-quality space for the masterpiece. Shown in AV1 with a folio page is Tim Ternes, director of The Saint John’s Bible project, who will oversee the new gallery. archival collections of the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library. Once the Archives and Special Collections Area is complete, high-density shelving will be installed in the remainder of the basement to house the book collection. • Installation of a new elevator that will service all four floors of Alcuin Library. “The elevator will be a new doorway into the library,” commented Parker. “It will say ‘welcome’ to every student, regardless of their physical condition.” In addition to bringing the building up to code and making it handicap accessible, the elevator will serve a practical purpose during the renovation period transporting construction materials from floor to floor. • Construction of The Saint John’s Bible Gallery in the auditorium formerly known as AV1. The museum-quality gallery will house the original seven volumes of The Saint John’s Bible, along with displays about the history of The Saint John’s Bible, why and how it was made, as well as samples of the tools and materials that were used to create this masterpiece. The renovation was begun with these three projects in order to protect the rare books and archival materials during the construction phase and stage everything that follows. It will also include the necessary upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems for the entire building. “By starting with the basement, we are literally laying the foundation for everything that follows,” said Parker.
The renovation of the remainder of Alcuin Library as well as the construction of the learning commons addition is tentatively scheduled for May 2016, pending financing and board approval. The Learning Commons will include a variety of classrooms and study spaces that will enable students to take advantage of technology and that will foster integrative thinking and engaged learning. “Alcuin Library and Learning Commons will be the academic heart and soul of our campus,” commented Hemesath. “I’m confident that when this new space opens, we will feel the same excitement that was felt on our campus when Alcuin Library first opened nearly 50 years ago.”
A full-sized elevator in the entrance lobby will service all four floors of Alcuin.
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