Andersen Library

Andersen Library is the central academic library serving the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Named in honor of former university president James R. Connor and his wife, Marge Andersen Connor, the facility is a hub for research, study, and digital scholarship for the campus community. It houses extensive collections spanning numerous disciplines and provides critical support for the university's academic programs. The library is a member of the University of Wisconsin System libraries consortium and plays a vital role in the intellectual life of the institution.

History

The library's origins trace back to the early 20th century with the establishment of a campus library in Old Main. As enrollment grew following World War II, the need for a dedicated, modern library building became apparent. Planning commenced under the administration of James R. Connor, and the facility opened its doors in 1968, initially named the Learning Resources Center. A major expansion and renovation project was completed in 1998, significantly increasing its capacity and modernizing its infrastructure. This project led to the building being formally renamed Andersen Library in recognition of a transformative gift from Marge Andersen Connor. Throughout its history, the library has continuously adapted, integrating technologies from the era of the IBM System/360 to contemporary digital repositories and online databases.

Architecture

The library's design is a blend of mid-century modern and contemporary styles, with the 1998 expansion adding a prominent glass atrium that floods the interior with natural light. The original 1968 structure, designed by the architectural firm Kahler, Slater & Fitzhugh Scott, features clean lines and functional spaces typical of its period. The renovation, led by Potter Lawson Inc., seamlessly connected the old and new sections, creating collaborative study areas, an automated retrieval system, and a new main entrance. Key architectural features include the Harold and Mary Andersen Reading Room, a spacious periodicals area, and the Thomas J. Shanahan Jr. Gallery. The building's layout is organized to facilitate both quiet, individual study and group collaboration, with clear sightlines and an intuitive floor plan.

Collections

Andersen Library maintains a robust collection of over one million physical and digital items to support the curriculum of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Its holdings include vast collections in business, education, and the arts, with special strengths in materials related to children's literature and Wisconsin history. The library is a depository for both U.S. Government and Wisconsin State Documents, providing public access to a wealth of official publications. Distinctive collections include the University Archives, which preserves the history of the institution, and the Irvin L. Young Auditorium performing arts archives. The library also provides access to millions of resources through its membership in the University of Wisconsin System and partnerships with organizations like the OCLC and the HathiTrust Digital Library.

Services and operations

The library offers a comprehensive suite of services, including research assistance from subject-specialist librarians, interlibrary loan through the Wisconsin Interlibrary Services network, and course-specific instruction sessions. Its Center for Students with Disabilities provides adaptive technology and specialized support. Technological services include laptop lending, multimedia production studios, and access to software such as the SPSS statistical package and the Adobe Creative Suite. The library manages the university's institutional repository, MINDS@UW, and supports digital scholarship initiatives. Operational partnerships with campus units like the Writing Center and the University Technology Services ensure integrated support for student and faculty research, from initial inquiry to final publication.

Notable events

Andersen Library has hosted numerous significant academic and cultural events, including lectures by notable figures such as poet Maya Angelou and historian David McCullough. It regularly features exhibitions drawn from its special collections, such as displays on the history of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf or the works of illustrator Lois Ehlert. The library is a central venue for campus traditions like the annual Undergraduate Research Day, where students present their scholarly work. It has also been the site for community events, including voter registration drives in partnership with the League of Women Voters and commemorations of national observances like Constitution Day. These activities reinforce the library's role as a dynamic intellectual and cultural crossroads for the entire university community. Category:University of Wisconsin–Whitewater Category:Buildings and structures in Walworth County, Wisconsin Category:Academic libraries in Wisconsin Category:1968 establishments in Wisconsin