Centralight

A visionary construction project turned Park Library of the past into a learning center for CMU's future, complete with ample natural lighting and more than 400 computer workstations and 2,500 network connections. Diane Thomas of moving shelves, Dean of Libraries Tom Moore says the vision was to create a library to enhance learning and research opportunities of the university for its students and faculty. "It was important that the university create not only a functional and attractive library, but also serve as a symbol of the university's commitment to teaching, learning and research," Moore says. To better serve the university community, space is available in the building to include other academic support units, such as the Information Technology Help Desk and Media Services, Student Disability Services, Faculty Center for Innovative Teaching, the Writing Center, and the recently opened Math Assistance Center. It also was developed to incorporate advanced technologies and electronic resources, including hundreds of public computer workstations, wireless connectivity and electronic resources that are available onsite and online. "I think we're pretty up-to- date with everything, and we try to keep on top of the newest technology," Thomas says. "Even after coming into this building, we've added a lot of new technology. That's what the students want. It's what they expect." centralight spring '12 17 PHOTOS BY PEGGY BRISBANE

• Cover