VCU proposes new library for Monroe Park Campus

Plans for a new VCU library in the near future are being discussed in the hopes to further accommodate the growing population and academic success of students.

University librarian John Ulmschneider discussed near and long-term plans for a new “academic commons” at the Cabell Life Forum Thursday evening.

Ulmschneider first addressed his audience of about 15 undergraduate and graduate students with the question, “How many of you have a life in Cabell?”

“Cabell Library at 11 o’clock looks like an airport terminal,” Ulmschneider joked.

According to statistics, the Cabell monthly visitor count for the past few years has dramatically increased and continues to rise. Regularly, Cabell Library has more than 10,000 visitors a day.

Ulmschneider said VCU has the lowest square-feet-per-student ratio of any Virginia higher academic institution. In comparison to schools with competing ratios such as George Mason University and Virginia Tech, VCU offers off-site storage for lesser-used materials, which provides more space for students rather than books.

“We definitely need more space, however that comes about,” said Nathaniel Markson, a double major in biology and psychology. “A chair and a power outlet are the hardest things to find.”

Ulmschneider said the plan for an academic commons has three phases, including off-campus shelving, renovations to the existing Cabell structure and a new library on the Monroe Park Campus.

To address the library’s space needs, Ulmschneider said off-campus shelving will move lesser-used material out of prime user space to provide more adequate user seating for students.

Ulmschneider said VCU could add an academic commons for Cabell Library by redesigning the space on the second floor to create a group study space with movable furniture and individual study space with conference room capabilities.

“I like the group study rooms on the first floor but I don’t like going to war over them,” said student Carl Forrest.

Phase three of Ulmschneider’s plan is to build a new library on the Monroe Park Campus, adjacent to the existing Cabell Library. The focus of the new building will be to “make optimal use of every square foot,” focusing exclusively on student academic work needs. The plan will ultimately add more than 13,500 square feet of total public areas.

In the near future, Ulmschneider plans to partner with VCU’s Technology Services to design a learning commons to relocate the basement computers to a more inviting environment for students.

Ulmschneider showed several libraries on different campuses around the United States while explaining what aspects would be good for a new VCU library. Ulmschneider left the door open for student ideas and suggestions.

The approximated budget for the project is $60 million. Ulmschneider said he wants to “establish an exciting vision that will motivate VCU.”

The four main goals of the new building are to be an inspiring showcase for the Monroe Park Campus, a state-of-the-art academic facility, a building that provides more space for graduate students and to provide academic work space for faculty.

The Cabell Life Forum is cosponsoring with the SGA and the next meeting will be held in April.

Ulmschneider ultimately believes the academic commons will be “a showcase for the academic mission and a pre-eminent statement of pride.”