University of Houston, M.D. Anderson Library Expansion

Academic libraries of the 21st century are undergoing significant evolution. After decades of development, a new type of library that is heavily dependent on information technology has emerged. The digital library will expedite access to print materials at the same time that it provides access to a growing number of electronic resources.
The construction of the new library wing provides adequate space for additional computer workstations, the growing collection of books and journals, and needed single-user and group-study space. It completes the transformation of the traditional library to a facility worthy of the 21st-century information age.
The expansion to the M.D. Anderson Library provides a modern facility for more than 34,000 students, faculty and numerous other users from Houston and surrounding communities. The new south wing increases the new building space by 170,015 square feet—87,500 square feet constructed as shelf space and 82,515 square feet constructed as inhabitable space. The Honors College is 17,000 square feet of the 87,500 square feet of shelf space and not constructed as inhabitable space.
The new facility also provides two classrooms for user instruction, including all necessary computers and electronic equipment. A special function room was constructed that accommodates groups of up to 350. The function room showcases campus special events and other multipurpose activities. An elaborate entrance and lobby/cafe area serves users.
The facility provides services 24 hours a day. These services include study space, vending facilities and computer workstations, which provide access to the ever-increasing body of digital information resources.
Complementing this project is the completion of about $3 million in deferred maintenance in the existing building.

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