Everyone is excited for the new digital library that is coming to campus.
The library is expected to be operational in winter 2021.
The temporary library in Charles P. Adams building has been in operation for several years.
Assistant University Librarian for Access and Academic Innovation Emma Kent said she is excited for the new library to open which will mean a lot for Grambling community.
“It has been years now since Grambling has had a full functional library, and having one is an essential part of a university's resources for students,” Kent said.
Kent said the library will contain many engagement opportunities for students.
The building’s space plan includes more than 500 student computer stations, more than 17,000 square feet of dedicated study space, room for more than 200,000 physical resources (e.g. books, video, microfilm) and approximately 5,000 square feet of multi-purpose space to support student programming and community events.
The library will be the first digital library at an HBCU.
A digital library for those who might not know is also called an online library, an internet library, a digital repository, or a digital collection is an online database of digital objects that can include text, still images, audio, video, digital documents or other digital media formats or a library accessible through the internet.
Kent said due to the building size more staff and workers would be needed to run the library so this also opens an opportunity for more jobs for faculty and the potential for more work study opportunities for students on campus.
Kent said the library will provide many benefits for those who interact with it.
“It will be a great place for students to come and study together with more resources available to them. It should improve academic progress if students take advantage of the opportunity.
Artist rendering of what the completed library will look like.