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OTHER NEWS STORIES - Shoreline CC student dies in domestic dispute - Dynamic Jones; artistic activism - When to find your Student Gov't Officers - News Briefs Two year renovation complete; library now boasts new technology and amenities Datona Danielsen Ebbtide Reporter The Ray W. Howard Library/Technology Center opened its doors to students last week after two years of converting the old library into a technological hub ready for the 21st century, a library official said. Additional computers, equipment and services are now available for students. The renovation was not as simple as adding resources, however. According to Library Director, James Backes, the building's entire infrastructure is new. The library stands completed after two years of construction. Photo by Christopher Nelson "Everything was destroyed except the skin of the building," Backes said. "Conduits, power and telecommunication and data connections now equip the library for the 21st century." Two years ago, the former library/media center closed its doors. Offices, services and resources relocated, and the building became an enormous construction site. The permit process and testing began in fall of 2000 and contractors moved into the building winter 2001. The library was set to open the first day of fall quarter, but due to certain students needing resources, they allowed access a week before. "The services and resources now available should make the library/technology center a one-stop place for research and technology," Backes said. In fact, the project included adding technological support services to the building. Additional computers for student use, several digital video cameras available for checkout and multimedia editing machines are also available. Backes reports, "The student technology fee helped make this possible." Prior to the renovation, the library offered approximately 65 computers for student use, but now has about 150, including a 100-seat computer lab. The online catalogue area has 24 research computers with Internet access. The new center now has six study areas, three more than the former building. These spaces are equipped with DVD and CD players. Much of the project's $7.25 million cost went into the infrastructure. Art hangs along the walls, adding to the feel of the building. Photo by Ebbtide staff A lot of money also went into heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), which balance the temperature throughout the building and circulates fresh air, Backes said. Adding to this comfort is additional space for students. Additional square-footage was not added to the building, Backes said, but rearrangement increased study space. Limiting the faculty area also created the extra space. For example, the library used to have two entrances, and many students would use the library as a bridge from one side of campus to the other, Backes said. The north entrance was converted into a leisure, reading and study area. This new area has CDs, popular magazines and newspapers available. The only thing left to make the project complete is the arrival of the remaining furniture, which Backes expects next week. The upstairs is fully furnished with refurbished furniture. Also updated is the elevator. The elevator was once available only for students with disabilities who had a key. Now anyone can access the second and third floors without keys. The library is open seven days a week during autumn, winter and spring quarters: 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday; and noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. © 2002 Shoreline Community College™