Utah State University Announces New Library Name

To honor the past and preserve tradition, Utah State University's Board of Trustees, on April 8, approved a recommendation by the university's Facilities Naming Committee to christen the institution's new library the Merrill-Cazier Library.

 

The 200,000-square-foot addition, scheduled for completion fall 2005, melds more than 1.5 million volumes from the 74-year-old Merrill Library, scheduled for demolition in 2006, with the existing Cazier Science and Technology Library, to create a 304,000-square-foot facility.

 

"Utah State University strongly recommended preserving the names of the existing libraries, which honor two of Utah State's outstanding administrators, Milton R. Merrill and Stanford Cazier," said USU President Stan L. Albrecht. "The board of trustees enthusiastically concurred."

 

Linda Wolcott, vice provost for libraries and instructional support, said retaining the names of two educators who dedicated their lives to enriching students' academic experiences is especially fitting. "The new library builds on a solid foundation and provides expanded opportunities for a vibrant, intellectual campus hub."

 

University archives indicate that the Merrill Library was named in 1968 in honor of the former vice president of academic affairs. Merrill joined Utah State's history and political science faculty in 1927 and subsequently served in various administrative positions, including department head and director of Extension, during his long career with the university. He died in 1971.

 

Richard Merrill, son of Milton Merrill, said he and his brother, Steve, are pleased with the new library name. "We are certain that our mother would also approve. President Cazier was one of her favorite people and he enjoyed our father's respect and friendship as well," he said.

 

Built in 1995, the 116,000-square-foot Cazier Science and Technology Library was named in honor of Utah State's 12th president by the Board of Trustees on March 6, 1998. Cazier retired as university president in 1992, after which he continued to serve on the history faculty and was named an emeritus professor in 1996.

 

"I can't think of another person I'd rather be associated with than M.R. Merrill," said Cazier of the new library's name. "I owe my whole career to him and am humbled to share this honor. He was a giant of his time and a remarkable teacher and administrator."

 

The Utah Legislature approved funding for the $40 million integrated library project in March 2003. Located northeast of the campus quad, the new structure combines all university library functions under one roof. It features a 150-computer learning commons, 30 group study rooms and a state-of-the-art automated storage and retrieval system.

 

The university plans ceremonies recognizing the contributions of the new library's namesakes later this year near the time of the formal opening of the new library.