University of Southern Indiana, David L. Rice Library

Planned as a focal point for the campus with respect to both the academic and physical images of the university, this new library occupies a prominent location with commanding views of surrounding academic buildings. Future construction of a new College of Business and other structures will create an academic quadrangle; the library occupies the most significant location and highest elevation.
The new building is constructed of native Indiana limestone and light brick in keeping with the overall context of the existing buildings.
The library occupies four above-ground levels with a lower level devoted to classrooms. Entered from the quadrangle, the first floor is devoted primarily to open library functions in addition to a coffee shop and lounge. A two-story reading room is situated to the south with large windows open to views of the surrounding campus.
The second-floor focus is a large two-story reading room with commanding views of the quadrangle, the Liberal Arts Building and a lake beyond. Also on this floor are the primary administrative functions.
The top two floors contain additional open library functions in addition to specialized areas such as archives, preservation and study areas.
All floors include numerous areas for individual and group study, generally adjacent to the large windows. They maximize the use of natural light and views of the surrounding campus and landscape.

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