Collections

The collection documents the reconstruction and new addition of the CMU Park Library building and temporary redesign of Finch Fieldhouse. There is also one set of blue-line drawings of the old Park building.

This collection, 1966,2001 [bulk 1997-2001], documents the reconstruction of the old Park Library building, and the temporary redesign of Finch Fieldhouse, and the planning and construction of the new addition of the new addition. The collection includes concept and presentation drawings in the following formats: blue-line drawings, drawings on FoamCor Board, artists Renderings, and Vendor Sample Board. These materials were created and used during the design phase and came to the archivist once they were no longer needed by the architects or for promotional reasons. The archivist decided to incorporate the only blue-lines of the old building in the Clarke into the collection for continuity. Also included is a three-dimensional model with wooden base and clear plastic cover, undated [1999-2000]199. The model measures 28x35x8 inches and includes the building, people, cars, trees, sidewalks, and Preston Street. The model is made of cardboard and plastic in red, white, blue, green, brown, and black.

Researchers may also be interested in additional architectural materials documenting the addition which are found in the CMU. Park Library New library collection, 1996-2008, which is also housed in the Clarke Historical Library. This collection includes final drawings, which came to the archivist after re/construction was completed. The collection also documents the open house events and other events held in the new building. Collections documenting the history and functions of the library are also housed in the Clarke.

The collection documents the reconstruction and new addition of the CMU Park Library building, as well as ongoing life in the new building.

This collection documents the reconstruction and new addition of the CMU Park Library building, as well as ongoing life in the new building, located on the corner of Preston and Franklin Streets in Mount Pleasant, through photographs, webpages, clippings (copies), publications, and other materials. This collection was kept separate from prior Park Library collection due to its timely nature and for ease of retrieval, as requested by the Dean of Libraries.

Included here are various publications of exhibits and events, news articles, website pages, and brochures generated since 2002 documenting ongoing events in the building. Of particular note is Library needs of faculty in a changing environment: report of findings, a report based on a survey, written by Professor Mary A. Senter, December 2006. Also included are two CD-Roms, one of the library’s opening, January 9, 2002, and another of the 50th anniversary of the library’s federal depository program, January 24, 2008.

Later additions to the collection from the Dean’s Office include materials used to plan the new building, 3 CD-Roms of photographs of the construction and dedication. The collection is ongoing. A 2023 addition from the Libraries Business Services legacy files includes photographs of the interior construction and completed building exterior, and a Michigan Construction journal featuring the new building, and a questionnaire asking for construction details which were included in the article (see Box 1 Exhibits/Events Brochures folder).

Reference Point, the Park’s newsletter, is separately cataloged and housed as a periodical in the Clarke’s collections.

For additional information about the Park, see other, related collections documenting the history of the Park Library in the Clarke Historical Library.