Early Bird

A new look and new services for the Auraria Library

The tri-institutional building is undergoing sustainability and design improvements and adapting to user needs.

By Lorrie Evans

September 19, 2019

Great things are happening at the Auraria Library. If you haven’t visited in a while, it’s a great time to re-familiarize yourself with this vital campus service.

Going solar

The Auraria Library already has Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification, but we’re not going to rest there. As part of the library’s commitment to sustainability, new solar panels on our roof will provide enough energy to cover two-thirds of our current energy use and distribute surplus power back to the campus grid. Read more about this initiative and the student-led Auraria Sustainable Campus Program at sustainableauraria.org/.

Building upgrades

Construction for a 300-square-foot expansion for the “Ask Us” desk, the library’s main service point, will begin soon. The project will provide much-needed new space as we meet the growing demands of library users.

We’ve also been busy adding Wi-Fi access points to improve internet connectivity as well as upgrading the Discovery Wall. New screens and software will make this presentation space visually stunning and easier to use.

And as for the air you breathe? The building is getting a little smell help from four newly installed, hypoallergenic-essential-oil diffusers. The next time you visit, take a breath, relax and enjoy a barely perceptible fresh aroma.

New and expanded services

Our assistive-technology alcove is now open, just inside the Lawrence Way entrance. Students, faculty and staff have access to workstations equipped with Dragon, JAWS, Zoomtext and Read&Write Gold as well as two Video Relay Stations. Learn more about these and other assistive workstations at library.auraria.edu/accessibility-services.

Lastly, we’ve also expanded our collection of textbooks available for students, thanks to a grant of $11,000 from the Auraria Participatory Budgeting initiative. We purchased over 80 additional items for our Course Reserves and will be following up with students to learn how having access to these materials is contributing to their success on campus.

Photo credit: SustainableAuraria.org