Valparaiso University's Christopher Center for Library and Information Services
Posted by: 
paul.nord
N 41° 27.751 W 087° 02.576
16T E 496414 N 4590104
Valparaiso University Library
Waymark Code: WM4NBR
Location: Indiana, United States
Date Posted: 09/10/2008
Views: 9
The Christopher Center for Library and Information Services (CLIR) houses Valparaiso University's primary library collection. As the intellectual center of campus, the Christopher Center was designed to bring all campus information services to a single location while best serving the needs of students. The result is a welcoming, state-of-the-art learning environment that also serves as an important campus social center.
The library uses the Library of Congress catalog system rather and the Dewey Decimal System. The Library of Congress catalog is better suited for larger collections.
The library houses a large Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). This combination of robotics and computer system has the capacity to store 300,000 files. Two stories high, the system features bins stacked along two aisles. Here the library's collection of materials that are used infrequently by students or faculty is maintained. Included are back issues of journals and government documents.
Comprised of 105,000-square-feet of space, the Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources was designed by Esherick, Homsey, Dodge and Davis of Chicago to "break the mold" of institutional libraries. The wireless building accommodates current study preferences by replacing study carrels with soft furniture in "living room" settings, several complete with fireplaces. Snacks and beverages are available at Grinders Café and may be taken to all parts of the library other than the book stacks. Group study areas in a variety of sizes and computer clusters support the current teaching methods that encourage development of teamwork as students work on group projects and presentations.
Books and other traditional information resources mix with computers and access to the Internet on every floor. The computer-driven, robotic Automated Storage and Retrieval System uses space efficiently and allowed the overall shelving capacity in the center to increase to 600,000 volumes without having to increase the size of the building.
The grid-like structure flanking the south and east sides of the building’s exterior provides an interesting appearance for the building while serving as a valuable sun screen. This protects the books from harmful, constant exposure to sun rays and helps soften the sunlight entering the two-story reading room overlooking Resurrection Meadow south of the chapel. At the same time, library users enjoy spaces bathed in natural light.
Members of the greater community are welcome to use materials in the Christopher Center and to avail themselves of the study areas. Borrower's cards are available to the public for a nominal annual fee.
Classification of Library: Academic Library (Student, Alumni or Faculty)
Internet access available: Yes - Library Terminal: Register with Library Clerk to use
Approximate date of opening.: 08/15/2004
Library Website: [Web Link]
Additional Internet Connection Options: Not listed
Hours of Operation: Not listed
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