From the Duke News Service

Oct. 5, 2001

Duke University's Board of Trustees Friday authorized the start of planning for a major expansion of Perkins Library, the main West Campus library constructed in three stages between 1928 and 1968.

The proposal is part of a three-phase plan to enlarge and redesign the library for the information-based society of this new century, creating new and flexible spaces to meet changing needs and uses.

The first phase calls for construction of an addition to Perkins behind the Old Chemistry Building and to the east of the 1968 expansion of the library. This addition, to be linked to the existing structure by a third-story bridge, would complement the planned Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering and Applied Sciences to be built to the north. Also in this first phase is renovation of the first floor of the 1968 expansion and construction of a pavilion cafe.

The trustee action approved the site and scope of the project and the selection of an architect for phase 1. Once the project is further defined and cost estimates developed, the administration plans to return to the board in 2002 to seek approval of the design and financing and authorization to begin construction. The next phase would be renovation of the older portions of Perkins and the third phase would be renovation of the second through fourth floors of the 1968 addition.

"It is particularly significant that the Board of Trustees vote comes on Founders Weekend, because it reinforces the continuing commitment to the library at Duke," said University Librarian David S. Ferriero."In his 1901 Benefactor's Day speech, the president of the Board of Trustees, James F. Southgate, quoting James B. Duke, said: 'No university can be great without a great library.'"

In a report to the trustees Friday, University Architect John Pearce said Perkins is hampered by an inadequate technological infrastructure, outdated mechanical systems, ineffective use of space, inferior study space, stacks filled beyond capacity, a confusing layout and poorly coordinated service areas.

The Perkins Library Renovation Committee appointed by Provost Peter Lange in August 2000 concluded with the assistance of outside architects that Perkins required an additional 72,000 square feet of space that will be provided by the new addition.

"This additional area will permit both a slight increase over time in the number of volumes held on site and a vast improvement in the quality of the space alloted to library and academic services, collections and users," Pearce said.