Following months of gathering input from students, faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as key stakeholders from throughout the community, Shoreline Community College is now forging ahead with plans to greatly enhance the campus library building.

With funding from the state and a designated capital reserve from the college, we have now begun the permitting process for remodeling the 4000 building, with construction set to begin at the end of spring quarter. The goals for the project were determined by surveys and brainstorming sessions during which participants emphasized the importance of the library and tutoring spaces as a key to student success.

According to President Roberts, “our focus groups were clearly excited to make the library building a more welcoming, more accessible, and a more inviting space for learning and student academic support. I think we’ve addressed their wishes brilliantly.”

The first phase of the 10-year overall master plan will see the redesign of the main entrance and information desk, creation of a second entrance at the current loading dock to better open the facility to the north end of campus, and more flexible study space, as well as design elements that allow for more natural light. Among other planned improvements are:

• An updated main entrance and welcome desk;
• A learning and tutoring area with an adjacent casual meeting area;
• Expanded casual, group, individual, and quiet study spaces;
• Updated lighting and furnishings;
• Relocation of the Math Learning Center and the Writing and Learning Center to the first floor;
• Redesign of computer access by moving the Computer Lab functionality to the second floor;
• Reorganization and updating of all third floor spaces and operational library areas;
• Updated landscaping surrounding the building

When completed, these improvements will provide for a more student-centered learning space, with better access to librarians, centralized tutoring centers, and state-of-the-art-technology.

“This will truly be the campus center for student academic support – a wonderful place for students to research, engage with their learning, and succeed in their studies. I’m enormously excited for us all,” said Dr. Roberts.

If you would like to learn more about the 4000 building remodel, you are invited to attend a February 22 informational session, hosted by Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs Bob Francis, at 3 p.m. in room 1104.