About the Expansion
Why There is a Need for a New Library
Currently, the collection is expanding at a rate of approximately 20,000 volumes per year. Librarians have weeded material from the collection in an attempt to conserve insufficient shelf space. As the library collection continues to grow beyond the capacity that the facility was built to accommodate, student reader stations have been replaced with book stacks or needed office space. Recent analysis has shown that the number of reader stations has declined to a level that would serve less than 7,000 FTE by formula. This has brought about crowded and inadequate study conditions, particularly during peak hours of library use.
The proposed addition to the Madden Library is not only intended to remedy space deficiencies, but more importantly, allow for the integration of library services in a way that is more responsive to the needs of students and faculty. Furthermore, the project creates the ability to introduce state of the art information technology systems, and rethink the collections and overall role of the library within the larger framework of the campus. As modes of teaching and scholarly research continue to change, new demands have been placed on library functions and services. This project affords the opportunity to create a major resource with a superb collection, facilities and technology infrastructure required to maintain the Madden Library as the epitome of academic excellence not only for the campus but for the entire region as well.
Size of the New Building
Based on formula generated by the State of California, the addition would require a total expansion of 261,848 ASF to be added to Phase III, which contains 68,695 ASF for a total Library ASF of 330,543. The program would also include 18,000 ASF for University Administration. The total ASF for the new Madden Library, the existing, remodeled Phase III, and University Administration, based on entitlement, would be 348,543 ASF.
To investigate innovative strategies to accommodate the future space needs of the Library, a feasibility study was conducted by The Taylor Group Architects of California in March 2003. Their findings, as presented to guests from the Department of Finance, the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, and selected administrators from California State University, Fresno, indicated at its Scope Visit on September 9, 2003, a cost-efficient way to remedy the University’s space entitlement. The scheme relies heavily on the use of MACS (moveable aisle compact shelving) to reduce the area required to house the collection. By doing so, this scheme eliminates the need for two additional floors as required by other options considered thus reducing the overall construction cost but still meeting the requirements to serve a campus of 25,000 FTE. In order to remain on the footprint of the existing library, this scheme calls for the demolition of Phases I and II with extensive remodeling of Phase III. In addition, this plan provides wide open horizontal floor plates that will allow library personnel and users an enhanced atmosphere for academic discourse. The current Phase III will be renovated and integrated into the new building.
Selection of the Architect
On Friday, August 20, 2004, the Library Addition and Renovation Architect Selection Committee made a recommendation, and it was approved and announced by Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Vice President for Administration, on August 26, 2004.
The firm chosen is A.C. Martin Partners, Inc. in association with Hillier Architecture.
A.C. Martin Partners, Inc. and Hillier Architecture ACMP bring extensive experience working with the CSU System. David C. Martin, FAIA, (A.C. Martin Partners, Inc.) will provide overall design leadership, focusing on the exterior aesthetic. Joseph Rizzo, AIA, ALA, (Hillier Architecture) is one of the country’s leading authorities on library planning, programming, and design having worked on more than 75 libraries throughout his career. Mr. Rizzo will lead the team in the design of the interior space. Robert Murrin, AIA, ALA, (A.C. Martin Partners, Inc.) will be the Principal-in-Charge and Project Manager. As stated in their proposal to the university, they will “seek to create an environment that is timeless. Its aesthetic should therefore reflect the rich culture of the campus, city, and region as a whole.”
See the new library artist's rendering by A.C. Martin Partners, Inc.
Selection of the Builder
Swinerton Builders has been selected by the University to expand and renovate the Henry Madden Library.
As the University's Construction Manager, Swinerton will oversee the planning and construction of the 283,600-square foot library addition and 68,695 square foot renovation. Read their press release
Library Services During the Expansion
The staff of the Library is committed to providing the best possible service to Fresno State's students, staff, and faculty during the contruction and renovation project with the least amount of inconvenience. Please visit this Web site often to keep abreast of the changes taking place while we work though the many challenges that a project of this magnitude may bring.
The Library regrets that disruption may occur during this undertaking but we believe strongly that with the completion of the project, we will be able to provide a library environment that will meet the needs and expectations of our 21st century users.
