Construction Celerity Enhances New Library

Thanks to work finished ahead of schedule and under budget, Utah State University's new library, scheduled for completion fall 2005, will be able to add a third robotic arm to its automated storage and retrieval system.

"Because of the hard work of Jacobsen Construction, Utah State will gain a significant addition to the new library building that will directly benefit students and faculty," said Linda Wolcott, vice provost for libraries and instructional support. Wolcott spoke at a "topping off" ceremony July 27 marking the contractor's completion of major concrete work on the 200,000 square foot structure.

Blake Court of the State of Utah's Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM), which is overseeing the construction project, said savings realized on the project so far have freed approximately $400,000 for purchase of needed equipment. The legislative appropriation for the facility's construction is $40 million.

The planned automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS), manufactured by Daifuku America Corporation, will be the first of its kind in a Utah library. The multi-story system, designed to improve storage efficiency, uses automated cranes to store and retrieve library materials.

Because the legislative funding does not cover the entire cost of furnishing and equipping the technology-rich building, said Wolcott, the university is engaged in a fundraising campaign. In addition, the campaign will provide funds for library acquisitions and other programs.

"With the help of donations from varied sources, we're moving forward with our campaign to create a vibrant, intellectual campus hub," she said.

Jacobsen Construction was awarded the contract to build the new library in spring 2003. The new facility will replace the 74-year-old Merrill Library. When complete, the project will integrate the Merrill Library and the Cazier Science and Technology Library into one state-of-the-art facility.