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NELSON POYNTER MEMORIAL LIBRARY
NELSON POYNTER MEMORIAL LIBRARY GETS A NEW LOOK AND A NEW LEADER
Sarah Sell
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The Nelson Poynter Memorial Library (NPML) went through several significant changes in 2022, including major renovations and the selection of a new dean.
“During my career, I have focused on the library being a part of the educational process in furthering student success,” said Kristina Keogh, who was named library dean in July. “Often times, it is the library where students go to find answers. By providing a customerservice oriented experience, we can help connect students to the tools and information needed to support their academic journey.”
The 30-year-old building now has a modern look with more study space for students. The upgrades include twelve new study rooms and state-ofthe-art technology to enhance opportunities for collaboration and learning.
The library is a popular spot for students and the surrounding community, but was in need of a modern redesign that utilized space differently to better meet the growing population on the St. Petersburg campus.
“It’s blessed with natural light and beautiful design,” said Kaya Van Beynen, associate dean of the NPML who has been involved with the project since planning began in 2018. “But the way students use the information and our staff work has changed. So, it was time to rethink the first floor to adapt to students’ needs now and into the future.”
The Student Technology Center, located on the first floor of the library, has been expanded and enhanced to support more computer activity while the digital makerspace where students gather to work on projects, has been updated for students who want to use the virtual reality studio, the 3D printer or participate in robotics training.
“I can’t wait to see the creativity that will happen through the Student Technology Center’s makerspace and workshop offerings,” Keogh said. “Opportunities for play and experimentation within these settings can foster innovation and problem-solving skills that will help students in their coursework and careers.”
A new gallery on the first floor will feature rotating art exhibitions from campus and community partners as well as highlights from the NPML Special Collections and University Archives.
“I am excited to ramp up programming and collaboration within the library gallery,” Keogh added. “This will be an opportunity to expand partnerships with community arts and culture organizations within the city of St. Petersburg. It will also be a place to feature students’ work among our rotating exhibitions.”
The designers of the project also kept sustainability in mind. The green construction plan included materials with a high recycled content, a pre-fabricated system for individual study rooms to reduce waste, new lights with high-efficiency LED fixtures and paints and other materials that minimize the use of cleaning products and harsh chemicals that pollute indoor air quality. The library will also be part of a pilot project by Duke Energy that will install a submeter to monitor and collect real-time energy use data.
The $1.25 million renovation project was funded by a $1 million legacy gift from Josephine Hall, a regular attendee of campus events, and a $250,000 gift from alumna and longtime supporter Lynn Pippenger.
The redesign of NPML has been in the works for four years, but the project faced several delays due to the pandemic, supply chain issues and rising construction costs. Phase one finally got underway and was completed in 2022 with first-floor renovations. Phase two, slated to be complete in 2023, will include new furniture, a redesigned front entrance and a plant wall to reduce noise, create a peaceful environment and purify the air.
THE GROOVY ‘60s & ‘70s
A NEW WAVE IN the ‘80s
PROGRESS through the ‘00s
ON TREND in the 21st century
OUR NEXT CHAPTER coming soon!
KRISTINA KEOGH TAKES OVER AS NEW LIBRARY DEAN
Kristina Keogh comes to USF after being the director of library services for six years at the Alfred R. Goldstein Library at Ringling College of Art and Design.
Keogh has more than 15 years of experience in librarianship, including more than seven years in management. She also has an extensive record of public service, outreach, programming, scholarship and planning in academic libraries at both research and teaching institutions in both the public and private spheres.
Keogh earned a bachelor of science in Art History from the University of Central Florida and a masters in Art History from the University of Florida. She went on to receive a master’s of science in Library and Information Studies at Florida State University and a doctorate in Art History at Virginia Commonwealth University.
