Library Impact Report

THE WILLIAM KNOX HOLT MEMORIAL LIBRARY AND LEARNING CENTER

IMPACT REPORT 2020

A LIBRARY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY To lead with purpose means to understand change—and to adapt nimbly. The same thinking must be applied to the spaces where University of the Pacific students learn and build community.

When it opened in 1955, the William Knox Holt

Dynamic hubs foster relationships between students,

Memorial Library was intended as a centralized book

faculty, the community and support services. Manuscripts

repository where research and study could occur in

from the university’s special collections leap off the page

defined spaces. Today’s students work, study and learn

in vivid characterizations. New digital tools accelerate

differently from previous generations. These budding

exploration and expression and flexible spaces deepen

entrepreneurs, scientists, health care workers, educators,

discovery and reflection. The fully renovated library is a

engineers, filmmakers and artists often gather to work

catalyst for scholarship and innovation, ensuring that

collaboratively rather than study in solitude. That’s why

Pacific students excel inside and outside the classroom for

the library renovation was a priority of Leading with

generations to come.

Purpose: The Campaign for University of the Pacific. Thanks to gifts and donations from generous alumni and friends, the library has been reimagined and reopened as a center for 21st century teaching and learning.

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L EA D I N G WITH P U R POS E

Students watch a documentary in the new Experimental Exhibition Space

BY THE NUMBERS 76,706 ft2

$9M

Square feet renovated

Dollars raised from philanthropic support

50%

Increase in student learning and study spaces

U N IVER SIT Y OF TH E PAC I F I C

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THE MUIR EXPERIENCE John Muir was one of the world’s most influential naturalists, writers and environmental activists, and his legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the university.

Since 1970, the library’s Holt-Atherton Special Collections

Experience includes Muir’s own bookcases and writing

and Archives has been the repository of the John Muir

desk filled with his personal library, and Muir-owned

Papers, the world’s largest collection of Muir’s written

William Keith paintings. In addition to a traditional

works, and more than a dozen related collections and

museum experience of exploration and contemplation,

artifacts belonging to Muir. In 2019, the Muir-Hanna

there are multiple digital touch screens to tell Muir’s

family formally gifted the John Muir Papers to the

story through interactive activities and dynamic

university, solidifying Pacific’s place as the official home

presentations about the many facets of his life and work.

and steward of his legacy.

The Muir Experience is a pilgrimage stop for Muir

As part of the renovation, the library sought a way to make key aspects of Muir’s life more accessible to

enthusiasts and a place where visitors can immerse themselves in his ideas, thoughts and tremendous legacy.

students, faculty and the general public. The Muir

STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES HUB A key component of the library renovation is the Student Academic Support Services Hub where students can receive an array of integrated services, including peer and faculty tutoring, writing and research assistance and other academic support.

Instructional designers from the Center for Teaching and Learning are also available to work

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with faculty on active learning and technology integration strategies. Housing these essential services within the library creates an ecosystem of learning where students can focus on studying and completing coursework. As a result, the university anticipates an increase in student graduation and retention rates.

We were particularly drawn to the Student Academic Support Services Hub because we know how vital it will be for student success. The more we can provide students with the services to succeed, the more likely they are to stay in school, graduate on time and find success in their careers.

J OH N A ND JUNE RO GE RS Signature supporters of the library renovation

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L EA D I N G W ITH P U R POS E

Muir virtual tour

Student Academic Support Hub

John and June Rogers Atrium

Harrold Living Room

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THE CUBE The Cube is a technology-rich makerspace on the first

historic Little Manila district and a virtual museum about

floor of the library. It is the gateway to the library’s larger

Japan’s cultural history called Seeds of Sakura.

Innovation Commons and is equipped with virtual reality workstations, 3D printers, drone technology, computer-aided design (CAD) machines and more. The Cube is a valuable resource for the university community, and its digital tools have been integrated into all facets of research, teaching and learning. Students have used The Cube to create VR experiences about John Muir, Stockton’s

At the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, library staff, Pacific alumni and community partners created the Print to Protect Coalition, a grassroots effort to print personal protective equipment using The Cube’s 3D printers. To date, 10,000 face shields have been printed and distributed to front-line health care workers.

VR Experience in The Cube

3D printing of PPE

Since its inception, the library has been a gathering space for collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue. This is most evident in the library’s reimagined study rooms that are now equipped with interactive 3D wall displays and curated art installations. Like tiny museums, these reimagined spaces add an extra layer of learning and discovery while honoring the university’s rich history and traditions. More than 1,000 individuals came together to fund or renovate study rooms in the library, including alumni from Pacific’s original cluster colleges: Raymond College, Elbert Covell College and Callison College (School of International Studies).

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L EA D I N G WITH P U R POS E

Sanji Muto Study Room

Rainbow Reading Room

Starbucks Coffee

Smith Alcove

Cook Family Children’s Literature Collection

COMMUNITY SPACES Spaces formerly occupied by book stacks were

faiths and belief systems. The Cook Family Children’s

reconfigured for community learning. Social spaces,

Literature Collection houses beloved children’s and young

including the Starbucks café, foster collaboration,

adult classics. These books are available for viewing

creation and lively conversation while designated quiet

by members of the university and greater Stockton

study areas preserve academic traditions like solitary

community, cultivating a lifelong love of reading in

contemplation and scholarly research. The Multifaith

future generations.

Meditation and Prayer Area provides a retreat space for meditation, reflection or prayer for students of all

No longer a mere repository, the reimagined William Knox Holt Library and Learning Center is now a state-of-the-art facility that fosters creativity, transcends disciplinary boundaries and amplifies enduring historical collections. Your gift in support of the renovation will impact every program, scholar, and student at Pacific, as well as students and scholars from around the world. The library will remain an emblem of Pacific’s past, present, and future, inspiring future generations of Pacific students to follow their passion and find their purpose in all their scholarly pursuits.

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“

I love going to the library to get my work done.

The contributions of Pacific alumni and donors have enabled me to excel in my academics and become a more successful student.

A N JA L I BA L IGA ’ 2 0

Purpose.Pacific.edu 3D printing of PPE photo credit: Shannon Lea Rock, Preserve Studio