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MISSISSIPPI LIBRARIES VOL. 75, NO. 2 • SUMMER 2012 PAGE 47Library Renovation LessonsLearned…and Still LearningMantra Henderson, M.L.I.S.Director of James H. White LibraryMississippi Valley State Universitymlhenderson@mvsu.eduABSTRACTThis article focuses on the renovation ofthe James Herbert White Library at MississippiValley State University, and the lessonsthat were learned during the process. Themassive renovation project of the JamesHerbert White Library presents a balancebetween aesthetics and functionality, library“look and feel” and technology, as well ashonoring and remembering the past whilecreating a 21st century student-centeredlibrary.There were many issues to consider. Theissues, which will be planning considerations,architectural history, library designand building features, and the lessonslearned during the process.INTRODUCTION:A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE JAMESHERBERT WHITE LIBRARYWhen Mississippi Vocational Collegewas established in 1950, there was no specificspace allocated as a library. In 1957,when the “T” shaped Science-LibraryBuilding was completed, the college librarytook up residence in one of the wings. Thecollege library had a seating capacity of 300students, four office spaces, a facultylounge, and shelf space for books, magazines,and other periodicals.In 1954, Mr. John Perches became thecollege’s first official librarian. Under histenure, the library grew progressively. Mr.Perches is credited with establishing thelibrary’s first audio-visual center for highschools in the area. From 1957-1961, Ms.Berdie Odom Weir served as the librarianalong with three assistants. During thistime, the library collections grew to 4,551books. In 1962, Mrs. Clara Bedenfieldbecame head librarian. The library staffthen consisted of seven staff members andseveral part-time student assistants. Thecollections grew to more than 22,918 volumeswith subscriptions to 152 magazinesand 19 newspapers.In 1968, under Mrs. Bedenfield’s leadership,the library contained 55,023 volumeswith 24 staff members including studentassistants. During the college’s SouthernAssociation of Colleges and Schools (SACS)visit in 1968, the committee recommendedthat the university construct a new library,transfer the responsibilities for the library tothe academic dean, hire an acquisition anda catalog librarian, and increase the collectionholdings to 150,000 volumes. Thesame year, library automation was initiatedin the circulation area. Following the 1968SACS recommendations, construction tothe new library commenced in 1971. Thenew 53,000 square foot library constructedat a cost of $1,250,000 was designated asthe James Herbert White Library. The newlibrary was an award-winning, modern twostory building (see figure 1) with an elevator,research carrels, group study rooms, ashelving capacity of 160,000 volumes, andthe ability to seat 750 students. The librarystaff and its resources were relocated to thenewly constructed library in 1973.Figure 1 – Current James H. White Library 2010.Since the 1970s, the university has seena tremendous increase in its student population.Over time, this increase challengedthe library’s ability to function and serve theeducational and research needs of students,faculty, staff, and the community.As the library is the heart of the universitycampus, physically and figuratively, thelibrary plays a vital role in teaching andlearning. In order to make this happen, thebuilding required major enhancements andrenovations. This all changed in 2005 whenthe library was slated to undergo a$14,480,347 expansion and renovationproject. The progress on this project cameto a halt in 2007. However, in 2009, theproject recommenced, but it changed froma fourteen million dollar expansion-renovationproject to an approximately thirteenmillion dollar renovation project.The many lessons that were learnedalong the way and that library staff are stilllearning came during various stages of theproject. However, the focus of this articlewill be on those that occurred during theplanning process, the discovery of the architecturalhistory of the current building, andthe library design and building featuresphase of the project.PLANNING PROCESS /CONSIDERATIONSThe James Herbert White Library supportsthe university’s mission by providingbooks, materials, services, and effectiveaccess to facilities and resources in supportof the university curriculum. In addition,the library serves as a hub of the campus,stimulating teaching and learning from aglobal perspective. In collaboration withother academic units, the library promotesand empowers students and faculty toexplore their research goals and flourish aslifelong learners. Moreover, the libraryembraces and supports the use of electronictechnologies and instructing students inseeking, evaluating and interpreting information.Thus, the purpose was to create afacility that enhances the productivity ofthe faculty and students. The goal is to reimagineand integrate traditional serviceapproaches with information literacy andtechnology in locating, finding and interpretinginformation. Our central theme wasuser focused. However, during the course ofthe project, it was determined that therewere several areas of concern that the librarywanted the expansion and renovation toaddress. They included providing better useof learning spaces to create a better teachingand learning environment that includesindividual and group spaces, enhancingnatural daylight, improving temperaturecontrol, providing proper library signage,updating electrical and network wiring,compliance with ADA, adequate librarystaff workspace, providing for interactivelearning capabilities, exhibits and recep-