Goodbye to the Old Ganser

Students, faculty and staff will soon have a better experience studying, teaching, learning and researching with the renovation and construction project at the library. After 43 years of operation, beginning fall 2011, the Millersville University Library will undergo renovations to better suit the needs of students and faculty, with hopes of being completed by fall 2013.

“The need to renovate the Ganser building presents us with an opportunity not just to update the building, but also to completely reset our community’s expectation of what our library can be in the Millersville University of the 21st Century,” said Chip German, vice president for information resources. “It isn’t just about the walls; it’s about the spirit contained within those walls. The University library, both physical and virtual, is the heart of scholarly life here, and our aim, frankly, is to come through this process with a library that makes our faculty doubly proud while sparking an undying love for learning in all of our students, and reinforcing it in all of us.”

The newly renovated library will include open floor plans, natural lighting, attractive architectural design and flexible furniture to provide visitors with the space necessary for completing group and individual research. Also featured will be programming areas and exhibit space to provide opportunities for civic engagement and student learning with campus and community organizations, redesigned library classrooms, 24-hour public access area, centrally located café and expanded technology to encourage students to make the library their own space for studies.

“It is exciting to be part of planning the new spaces that our current and future students will know as their library,” said Dr. Marilyn Parrish, special collections librarian and University archivist and chair of the library renovation committee. “Throughout the building design, we are focused on creating a new library that will facilitate discovery, enhance curiosity and creativity and offer a wide variety of options for collaboration.”

Other construction changes include a glass staircase, as well as other glass features; different landscaping, to create a more obvious entrance including a sculpture garden and the closing of Ganser Gallery, although the library plans to feature student artwork throughout the library on a rotating basis.

“The student designed reading-sculpture garden will allow the focus on student learning to move from the inside of the building to the outside. Students will be able to engage with each other, surrounded by fascinating and inspiring plants and works of art,” said Parrish.

During renovations, the library building itself will close, but library services will still be available for students, faculty and staff use. Gerhart Hall will be the main service point for the library during the renovation.

While some of the physical books will be placed in storage for the duration of the project, students and faculty will have access to an extensive collection of databases, electronic books and the EZ-Borrow service – to have physical items delivered directly to Millersville. Faculty members will have the option to check out books during the spring 2011 semester that they may need over the course of the renovation.

Although the current building will be under construction, all current library services will continue to be offered. Librarians will work with classroom faculty to provide instruction sessions and will offer research consultation services to both faculty and students.

“Library sponsored programs will be held in locations around campus during the renovation in order to highlight the resources and services that the library will continue to offer,” said Erin Dorney, outreach librarian. “There are plans for more gaming nights, a new discussion series following lectures on campus and collaborating with other departments and student organizations.”

For the most up-to-date information about the renovation of the Millersville University Library, visit https://blogs.millersville.edu/newlibrary/.