Frequently Asked Questions
Books will become less important as digital and online media continue to grow in prominence. Why is a library project so important to Union's future?
This project would be difficult to justify if a 21st century library was simply a warehouse for book storage. But it is so much more - it houses limited-edition volumes and manuscripts, periodicals and archival documents. Authentic scholarship begins with full access to such materials, many of which are not available in electronic formats.
At the same time, cutting-edge technology is also important for Union scholars of today and tomorrow. This library has been conceived and developed as a resource center for the 21st century. Information technology is at the heart of these plans. Many other universities have had to retrofit aging structures on their campuses with these technologies; our building will be designed to accommodate the newest innovations.
Has Union studied other campus libraries in formulating this building plan?
Planners consulted campus libraries all over the country. They spoke with experts at smaller private schools and large state universities. They were able to learn from both challenges and achievements at these institutions.
Union's current library offers a high level of service and the latest technologies. Why not just expand it?
Several decades ago, adjacent offices and language labs were converted into library space in the Penick Academic Complex. No further expansion space is available in that location.
How much more space will be available with the completion of the new library?
The current facility is limited to less than 30,000 square feet. The new library building would house 60,000 square feet of space for holdings, meeting rooms, video conferencing, a writing center, the Union archives (including a display area), a café and even a small auditorium.
What will happen to the Hundley Center for Academic Enrichment in the current library and the R.C. Ryan Center for Biblical Studies book collection in Jennings Hall?
Both of those facilities will move to the new library building.
How does the matching gift work?
A generous foundation has offered to match every gift (up to $10 million) for the Union library project.
I understand the matching gift deadline is December 2012. If I stretch out my gift payments over several years, will they count toward the matching gift total?
Yes! All gifts or pledges made by December 2012 will be matched. But payments can be made through December 2014. All that is required by the end of December 2012 is a final giving commitment.
Who is contributing to the library campaign?
Union is blessed with generous friends around the world who are ready to invest in this important project. We're already hearing from alumni, community leaders, faculty and staff.
The student body is also engaged in its own fund raising campaign called iGave. Students have quickly understood the importance of this project and want a role in this historic work.
I can only make a small contribution. How important are such gifts to the campaign?
Smaller gifts are vital to the success of this project. Every dollar counts. Remember: every gift is doubled through the matching component made possible through a generous donor.
