University of Nebraska Kearney - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Kearney, NE)

Page 32 text:

New elements, designs give KSC library new appeal It started in 1977, with the gathering of information, and is to be completed in the fall of 1983. This six-year span is the time it took for KSC’s new library to make the distance from a glimmer in the planners’ eyes to the finished prod- uct. Four years, from 1977 to 1981, were devoted to the planning, and two years from the ground-breaking in September, 1981, to the opening in the fall of 1983 went toward actual construction and renovation of the fa- cility. The original Calvin T. Ryan Library was built in 1963 at a cost of $700,000 to Nebraska taxpayers. The addition and renovation of the early 1980's, which doubled its size, cost around $4,000,000. KSC’s new C.T. Ryan Library con sists of 103,000 square feet, 51,000 of which includes the original structure and 52,000 square feet of addition. The new facility is fully carpeted, ex- cept for the Telecommunications De- partment and the Learning Materials Center. Carpeting, a feature the origi- nal structure lacked, will help cut down on noise and provide a much nicer studying atmosphere. One-half of the first floor houses the Telecommunications Department is a newcomer to the library and the LMC received a much needed expansion, comer to the library and the LMC re- ceived a much needed expansion. The structure itself has the capability of supporting two additional floors in the future when expected campus ex- pansion is needed. These two floors will not necessarily be devoted to li- brary. Classroom space, a computer center, and even administration offices could be housed there. Art is an important aspect of the li- brary, as by state law 3 percent of the total budget must be spent on artwork for the structure. The art works fea- tured are a Dan Howard oil painting, a Bob Benzel textile, an oil of the Platte River by Hal Haloun, a wood sculpture by Ed Dady, a Robert Theien water color and a bronze sculpture by George Lundeen. These artworks, along with a skylight in the center of the building above an area open to the basement and an atrium at the front entrance, give KSC’s new library a character the old structure never had. Conduit for television systems and computer cables are installed through- out the library, giving it the capability of expanding to include more modern equipment. The card catalog has been equipped to become computerized in the future. Smoke and heat detectors, but not sprinkler systems, have been installed to protect the facility and pa- trons. Also, emergency lighting is a new item that the original library lacked. More students can use this larger facility, as there are 1,250 seats, 116 of which are lounge furniture. There are many study rooms and other out-of- the-way -way spots in which to study. Four years of planning have paid off to give KSC one of the finest libraries in the state. It is a facility to take great pride in at the present and can be ex- panded upon in KSC’s promising fu- ture. David A. York Hanson Hanson

Page 31 text:

Room to breathe, relax; Union has it all KSC students have needed more el- bow room for years. Now in the fall of 1983 they will have it. The former Ne- braskan building has been expanded and renovated to not only be the home of the Campus Dining Service but also to become the home of the KSC Stu- dent Union. Completely carpeted, the new union is not just larger but is more equipped. The snack bar is just that — a snack bar that does not have to be used for other assorted events. A room called the Ponderosa Room will be used for large dinners and is capable of seating 700 people for special lectures or films. To get away from it all there are more private lounges creating more peaceful settings, a TV lounge pit for viewing a favorite soap or sports event and a music listening room for new and old favorites. For a little summertime all year round there is an atruim on the lower level, with seating for relaxation. Since video games have been and continue to be such a craze in the 80s a larger video arcade was a must. For other private enterprises there will be a small area available for lease along with the bookstore, which has always been in the Nebraskan building. For those with other tastes, a small outdoor patio is available for fresh air. An art gallery is featured to display traveling art works as well as those of KSC students and faculty. — David A. York CAMPUS COLLAGE 29 Carson

Page 33 text:

Hanson Hanson