University Libraries Space Planning // Libraries // Mizzou // University of Missouri

University Libraries Space Planning

The Libraries would like to encourage all interested parties to share their thoughts on Libraries space planning by participating in our survey.

Project Summary Update 10.04.21

Information on NEH Grant to Renovate Ellis Library West Stacks
Ellis Library West Stack Concept Design

“Very spacious and there are many places and resources you could find and use. However, this library is very outdated. If you go above the first floor, chairs are wooden and hard. On the third floor, the desks seem uncomfortable and placed anywhere there’s space. Considering how many people use the library, I hope they renovate soon.” –Quote from Google review of Ellis Library

College and research libraries are faced with increasingly complex challenges, including:

Providing and storing information in a multitude of formats and venues;
Storing information in a variety of ways;
Complex building use patterns – sometimes 24/7 access;
Provision of traditional services and expanded services such as media production and presentation facilities;
Students and faculty working in diverse collaborative ways;
Partnerships with other campus services such as information technology or centers for teaching excellence;
Student and faculty expectations for reliable, pervasive technology; and
Shared space for seminars, lectures, art exhibits, concerts, and other campus functions.*

In order to address these challenges and to comply with the campus initiative to reduce the space footprint for many units on campus, the University of Missouri Libraries has embarked on a space planning project. A key component of this space planning effort is the University of Missouri Libraries Depository Addition (UMLD), which has been completed. The UMLD addition allows for greater flexibility in storage of materials and use of other library spaces on campus. Some additional projects that affect library spaces are expansion of the School of Health Professions in to all of Lewis and Clark Halls, the upcoming closure of Mizzou North, and the move of Women’s and Children’s Hospital back to the main hospital campus.

Listed below are three reports that are being used to inform the space planning process. The Libraries contracted with Shepley-Bullfinch for a library master plan and PGAV Architects for a feasibility study of Ellis Library. For student input, the Libraries have referenced the University Libraries Student Advisory Council (ULSAC) vision document, which was created after visiting academic libraries in North Carolina and northern California.

In addition to the reports listed below, the Libraries have gathered data from its users over the years that have also directed our space planning efforts.

Shepley-Bulfinch Ellis Library Master Plan: December 2019

The current Ellis Library planning effort builds on the Shepley Bulfinch Master Plan, completed in December 2019, which was the initial attempt to envision reasonable options regarding how to configure Ellis Library so that it would be a coherent and user-centered space plan.

PGAV Architects Ellis Library Feasibility Study: February 2021

Purposes:

Identify best location for the co-location of University Archives, Special Collections, and Digital Services, providing increased visibility, more functional workspaces, and a better preservation environment for the collections
Identify best location for central, unified service desk, providing improved sight lines for users and greater flexibility for the future
Cost out project estimates and identify first project for implementation
Feasibility Study Think Tank Presentation

ULSAC Student Visioning Plan: May 2020

The University Libraries Student Advisory Council produced a document in 2018 and updated it in 2020 to communicate student needs, inspire donors to fund library initiatives, and provide direction for the University Libraries.