Since 1968, the University of Central Florida Library building housed a dream, an exciting new idea: that a great university would grow in Central Florida.
A 21st Century Library is now being created to further that dream, providing areas designed around student needs, promoting collaborative scholarship and individual research, and providing immediate access to library resources in all forms, and to library and technical assistance, and to technology. It will house future changes in technology and collections.
This project is being developed in multiple phases. We are currently nearing the end of Phase IA which connects the new Automated Retrieval Center with the existing library building. The expansion contains a new primary entrance, increased seating capacity with integrated electrical outlets, and additional computer work stations.
Below is a small gallery of images showing off the current progress of Phase IA of the project.
The Phase IA expansion of the John C. Hitt Library is nearing completion. We wanted to share with you some photos of the new space and furniture. More progress photos and posts will come soon. Learn more about the 21st Century Library Project
The 1st Floor will be closed Monday, August 5 to Sunday, August 26. The 1st floor (lowest level) of the John C. Hitt Library will be closed for work related to construction of the 21st Century Library project. 2nd (main), 3rd, 4th and 5th floors will remain open. Assistance with Government Documents can be requested at […]
We are happy to share this video as an introduction to the new John C. Hitt Library Automated Retrieval Center. This video showcases what the ARC is, how it operates, and how patrons will be able to request books from it. View more information
During Spring Break, Monday March 11 to Sunday, March 17, the 1st floor (lowest level) of the John C. Hitt Library will be closed for work related to construction of the 21st Century Library project. 2nd (main), 3rd, 4th and 5th floors will remain open. To retrieve a book from the 1st floor, click on […]
We apologize for the fluctuating cold temperatures in the John C. Hitt Library due to the ongoing construction.
The John C. Hitt Library is happy to announce that the 1st Floor is now re-opened! We had to close the 1st Floor late this summer to allow our crew the ability to clear out several stacks of books and re-arrange other parts of the collection. The construction crew also erected a temporary wall to […]
When will Phase I be completed?
Phase 1 ended in July 2018. The 5th Floor Quiet Study Zone, the Automated Retrieval Center building, updated restrooms in the 1984 building, new elevators, and sprinklering of the entire building have been completed.
When will the entire project be completed?
Phase IA began in August 2018. IA is scheduled for completion Spring 2020.
A timeline for future phases of planning and work is not yet available. The entire project may take five years.
How is the 21st Century Library project being funded?
The 21st Century Library is being funded by the Capital Improvement Trust Fund (CITF). The Capital Improvement Trust Fund receives fees from students, which are paid as part of tuition.
What is included in future phases of the project?
When completed, the 21st Century Library will include:
Will part or all of the Library close during any Phase?
Library services and resources will remain available throughout the project. Space will be available for study and research in the John C. Hitt Library during all phases of work. Access to some areas of the Library will be restricted at times as the work proceeds, but alternative locations in the library for services and individual and collaborative work will be made available.