IUS Times

Damp but dedicated crowd welcomes new library

With the rain surrounding an estimated crowd of 300 gathered under a tent, IU Southeast dedicated its new $15 million library June 28. Indiana University President Adam W. Herbert called the 75,000-square-foot building a "sparkling jewel that is illuminated by the light of knowledge, both literally and figuratively."

State Representative Bill Cochran, who as special assistant to the chancellor was instrumental in securing funding for the library, said the new structure is "beautiful," adding that he thinks "it rivals any new public building in the state."

Although it took 18 months to build the facility, which opened January 10, all agree that it was well worth the wait. Library Director Marty Rosen, who was also involved in the design process of the building, said the new library is already "extraordinarily popular with students," estimating that the number of students using the new library has tripled from the old library, which was a much darker facility with 34,000 square feet.

The new library enhances the University's mission with a rich information technology environment that will offer many advantages to both students and alumni of IU Southeast.

Chancellor Sandra Patterson-Randles said the "new library's state-of-the-art technology is matched by its beauty and functionality." Giving the campus and local community access to the nine million items in Indiana University Library's statewide collections is just one of the many benefits of the new library.

Rosen said the dedication of the new library represents a watershed moment for the IU Southeast campus and the surrounding communities.

"After more than a half-century of growth and change, IU Southeast is building its own proud legacy of excellence," he said. "Construction of this building reflects the trust and support of the citizens of Indiana and the leadership and vision of the Indiana Legislature in support of higher education's important mission."

A dedication reception and library tours conducted by the library services staff followed the dedication.

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