Gift will revamp Herrick (Sept. 11, 2001)

The sum of $2.1 million is something that Herrick Memorial Library does not see everyday. Things began to look a little greener this past June, both with the weather and at the library itself.
The news that the library was at the receiving end of an anonymous gift $2.1 million brought a smile to the face of Stephen S. Crandall, director of Herrick Library.
According to Crandall, he was just as surprised as the rest of the library staff at this generous donation. It did not take long for University and library officials to begin the process of allocating funds to various causes.
This influx of funds will be used to renovate the library itself, increase funding of the international students’ projects and raise the library’s endowment. There will also be an increase in the office space for the Study Abroad Program as well as additional support for international students at Alfred.
The projected goals and enthusiasm are clear to the library’s staff as Crandall is “…ecstatic about the potential of this gift to improve library service for the Alfred community.”
The proposed renovation also entails adding new meeting rooms to the library. These rooms will be capable of video conferencing—an exciting feature that will allow current students to communicate with speakers who are in distant places around the world. In doing so, Alfred University will be helping the campus become closer to world events and issues.
Another addition to the library in the works is a “cultural café.” This name, however, is only temporary as the University is currently searching for the café’s appropriate title.
The cuisine for the café will more than likely include coffee, cappuccino and a variety of pastries along with other desserts. The café, which will be included in the existing library structure, promises to be a hang out for the cultural community of AU.
Although much of the renovation plans are in place at the present, there still may be minor changes made to the overall plan. This is because the University is holding a series of meetings Sept. 6 and 10. These meetings will be for the University to meet prospective architecture firms. Once a firm is chosen, plans will be solidified.
The increase in endowment funds will be used for library programs on campus. One such venture is to update the library management system. By replacing the older system, library officials hope to expedite a student’s time spent in the library. With busy schedules, this is something all students will appreciate.
Hopefully these proposals will be up and running in the near future. Remember, the library here for students to use; take advantage of these added services and benefits.
Also, Crandall is willing to hear any student who has questions, concerns or ideas about this renovation. The library is built to benefit students and their input is invaluable.