Library Commons at UIS
This new facility will complete the UIS Quadrangle, situated at the southeast corner between the Student Union and Health Sciences Building. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
Focusing on student academic support
The following services will be brought together to help support student retention and success.
- Library
- Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA)
- Career Development Center
- Information Technology Services (ITS)
Considerations
Building design was guided by five themes:
- Student Centeredness: welcoming, inclusive, dynamic
- Flexibility: multiuse and adaptable environments
- Intuitiveness: ease of navigation, integrated services
- Inspiration: showcase learning, aspirational and energetic environment
- Sustainability: LEED Gold
Library Commons Features
120-Seat multi-use, flexible classroom
Teaming, collaboration and meeting spaces
Quiet study spaces
Timeline
November 2018: The UI System Board approved the University of Illinois Capital Budget Request for fiscal year 2020. Included in that request was $35 million to fund the new Library Commons at UIS. The State approved the funding request, and the Capital Development Board (CDB) released $3.5 million for the planning and design of the facility.
September 2021: The Board approved the design of the new building, and the remaining $31.5 million was subsequently released to the CDB.
January 2023: The Board approved a $3.5 million increase to the project budget.
April 2023: Bids were opened.
May 2023: The CDB and UIS worked with Bailey Edwards to resize the project in light of national increases in construction costs, while prioritizing the student experience, design integrity, and the ability to meet LEED Gold Certification.
Late 2024: The university has worked with the state to invite contractors to bid on the project, award a construction contract in late 2024, and start construction in 2025.
Summer-Fall 2025: Construction for Library Commons will begin between the summer and fall of 2025.
Construction Updates
As the University begins constructing Library Commons, Parking Lot A will be closed for employees, students and campus visitors. The contractor will use this lot to carry out construction operations.
Due to the closure of Lot A, Cox Children’s Center employees will need to park in Lot B during this time. Families are encouraged to use Lot B as well, entering from Shephard Road or 11th Street, and accessing the center near the WUIS building on the northeast side. For families with children in the main center who prefer not to park in Lot B, a posted detour through Lot A will be available to bypass the main lot and lead to the circle drive near Cox Children's Center, helping keep the usual route clear for contractors and reducing the risk of tire damage.
Please stay tuned forfuture construction updates and progress for Library Commons.
FAQs
What will happen to Norris L Brookens Library?
Brookens will remain a fixture on campus and will welcome units from other areas of campus upon completion of the Library Commons.
New Units to Brookens:
- Diversity Center
- Women's Center
- Gender and Sexuality Student Services
- Health Services (medical clinic, Counseling Center, Disability Services)
- Human Resources
- Purchasing and Grants
- UI System Ethics, Audits, and Payroll and Benefits
Remaining in Brookens:
- Online Professional, and Engaged Learning (OPEL)
- Center for Online Learning, Research, and Service (COLRS)
- Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE)
- Office of Engage Learning (OEL)
- Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE)
- Digital Accessibility Remediation Team (DART)
- Archives
What units will be in the Library Commons?
The new Library Commons will bring together the following units:
- Library
- Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA)
- Advising Services
- Learn Hub
- Students Transitioning for Academic Retention and Success (STARS)
- Career Development Center
- Information Technology Services (ITS)
Where will the Library Commons be located?
The southeast corner of the quad between the Student Union and Health Sciences Building.
How big is the building?
Three floors and 63,000 square feet.
How many books can the new building hold?
Roughly 80,000 books.
What will be in the building in addition to the departments?
Collaborative study spaces, quiet study spaces, group study rooms, vending machines and computer stations.
Will the building be connected to the tunnels?
No, it will not have a lower level. The first floor will be at ground level.
