As Gannon University works to complete renovations in the Nash Library, students can utilize the new temporary library on campus, Knight Tower, located on West Ninth Street next to the Morosky Academic Center.
Gannon purchased the building earlier this year for $1.65 million.
The move from the Nash Library to Knight Tower was no easy task. The process began in May immediately after finals week with the relocation of personnel, collections, equipment and furnishings.
Ken Brundage, Nash Library director, expressed how well facultyhave been able to adjust to the new building.
“A move like this can be very taxing, but the library staff has really gone above and beyond to make this building as functional and welcoming a space as possible for students,” Brundage said.
“To have a facility on campus that can provide space for all library staff and collections as well as study space and computer labs has been the best solution we could have wished for.”
Students can find books and media as well as study spaces on the third and sixth floors. On the fifth floor, students can find ITS and a computer workstation featuring new iMacs.
“Before the semester, I thought we would be left to find our own spots throughout campus to study,” said Mitch Vogatsky, a junior mechanical engineering student.
“Knight Tower is a legitimate place to study and I think it will be a good temporary library while the new one is being built.”
Additionally, the second floor is home to the university archives as well as several administrative offices. Plans for the new Nash Library include a department dedicated solely to the archives.
Bob Dobiesz, assistant director and archivist, has been pleasantly surprised on how accommodating the building has been. “It’s great to have the Archives materials together in one spot, and not spread out over several rooms as was the case in Nash,” he said. Dobiesz has been a member of the Gannon faculty for more than 35 years.
One concern students might have about Knight Tower is the location, which is on the edge of campus nearly two blocks from the nearest student housing. Brundage and his staff have made it a priority to make everything as safe as possible for students.
This year, an attendant at the front desk of Knight Tower will check all students’ IDs as they walk in and Gannon Police and Safety will have a heavy presence around the building. The Knight Watch program is also still available to students studying late at night who would like to walk home with someone.
Renovations on the Nash Library began in August and are currently in the demolition phase. The Nash Library is expected to be completed and open to students in the spring semester of 2018.
When renovations are finished, the Nash Library will feature many new additions, such as two new entrances on Sixth and Seventh streets, new STEM and Writing Centers, a first floor café and a green roof for those looking to get a little fresh air.
Students can test a new individual “study pod” on the third floor of Knight Tower and voice their opinion on whether they’d like it to be included in the additions. If things go as planned, there will be additional sample furniture available to students throughout the year.
“I would encourage students to come visit the library’s interim location in the Knight Tower,” Brundage said.
“I think they may be pleasantly surprised with how this building has been transformed into a full-service library and study space.”
KYLE JOSEPH
