Photo by Chris Meyer Photo by Pat Pfister As seen from the main level, the elliptical skylight glimmers from the glass panels surrounding it. Instructional computer lab on main level. Rows of single study carrels equipped with computers, main level (second floor) The northwest reading gallery is flanked by a picturesque window view of the campus. Moving books from the old library to the new began before winter break and the doors to the new facility opened to students Jan. 10.

Then again, Rosen, director of library services, also admires a first-floor reading nook to be adorned with campus artwork. The nook will undoubtedly garner rave reviews from students and faculty alike. “This is the quietest section of the library, offering a peaceful refuge for students who need it,” Rosen said.

Main floor
Patrons are welcomed to the library by the Indiana University seal. The granite and brushed steel symbol is embedded in the floor, showcasing the Latin phrasing Lux Et Veritas (light and truth). Some say “light and truth” is the very phrase epitomizing the purpose behind IU Southeast’s library, which opened its doors to students Jan. 10.

Hushed voices are common, as patrons admire an elliptical skylight reflecting light throughout the main floor.

A series of study carrels, each containing a computer, dot the space. For those who tote laptops, the entire facility is equipped with wireless access. One room near the reference desk boasts adaptive technology, enabling access to people with physical challenges.

Instead of walking into the main rotunda, students may opt instead to slip inside a cozy and bright student lounge. Vending machines and a long counter with stainless steel stools make a shiny and modernistic statement. Eventually, computers will be added to create a cyber-cafe.

A large instructional lab—filled with cherry wood tables—is on the opposite side of the main floor. Black Dell computers give the room a futuristic look.

Nancy Totten, associate librarian, said the lab is essential—especially for First Year Seminar classes—in teaching novice library users the basics. Library staff members also benefit from continuing education and training sessions.

Just to the left of the entrance’s university seal is a circulation station, with a custom-built counter (soon to be completed). A similar set-up makes up the reference desk, just a few yards from the circulation station. Shelves of reference books partially line one side of the main floor with offices on either side.

Multi-purpose space
On the main floor, students have access to an enclosed area housing two copiers. Clear panes enable patrons to keep an eye on their belongings while using the copiers.

Just past the copy area is the award-winning Institute for Learning and Teaching Excellence, which provides technology and instructional assistance to help faculty sharpen their teaching methods.

Farther down is a reading area with sofas and group study tables. Above this area is a pyramidal skylight.

The main level is also home to a series of enclosed group-study rooms, each equipped with PowerPoint compatibility and network functions, which could become the most popular in terms of usage.

These rooms allow for collaborative study among four to eight students. Whiteboards hang from the wall. In all, seven rooms offer seating for more than 80 students.

Rosen’s office, a reception area and two large conference rooms complete the main level.

First Floor
Descend to the first floor to see rows of shelves containing around 1,000 periodical subscriptions comprised of academic, professional and some popular journals as well as government publications. Those and scores of other available resources are accessible through online indexing.

Much of the backroom operations, such as cataloging, processing, materials acquisitions and sequencing periodicals/publications take place on the first floor. Newspapers to be sorted scatter the spacious worktables, amply designed for such projects.

Top floor
The top floor houses the main book collection. Shelving units from the old library were refurbished allowing more space to be added for books and expanding collections.

On opposite corners of the building, the skylights in the ceiling are in close view. 

In the west end of the top floor, a space beneath the pyramidal skylight overlooks the main-floor reading area.

On the northeast corner, students will find a large reading gallery housing a blend of seating and chairs at tables. A panoramic view of the campus can be seen through a circular window that accentuates the building’s architecture.

Sitting in this reading gallery puts patrons in proximity to the elliptical skylight, a dominant architectural feature.

Another room houses the Curriculum Materials Center and Center for Cultural Resources. Commonly known as the CuLab, the area contains children’s and young adult literature and textbooks available to educators and students throughout Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville.