ACRL College & Research Libraries News

College & Research Libraries News

New Building Dedicated at Idaho State University

Idaho State University’s second library building in a quarter-century was dedicated on October 15, 1977, in Pocatello, with Governor John Evans of Idaho as the principal speaker. The building, a four-level, 177,000-square-foot structure, was planned by University Librarian Eli M. Oboler, who also planned the 1954 library building, four blocks away. Oboler stated, “In 1954 I said that building was planned for flexibility and functionalism, with an eye to economy and efficiency; this building has the basic qualities, plus a very advanced energy-conservation design— including fenestration, heating, ventilation, and multiple energy source possibilities.”

Included in the building—the largest educational-purpose building in the state—is an entire level for audiovisual services. Among the facilities included are three projection theaters and thirty multiple-purpose carrels.

The new library building, located in about the exact geographical center of the campus, has already had a 25 percent increase in use. With planned computerization and data-base connections, it should function well for all presently conceived library technology advances.

Above: new Idaho State University library building opened August 1977. Below: view of third floor browsing room, featuring campus view, comfortable seating, carpeting, wooden bookstacks, and audiovisual equipment.