Work on the 21st Century Library Project is underway. The transformation of the John C. Hitt Library building includes the expansion and complete renovation of all five floors, providing immediate access to library resources, library and technical assistance, and technology. Student needs are at the center of the 21st Century Library design, which promotes collaborative scholarship and individual research and creativity.
The initial phase of the 21st Century Library includes the construction of an Automated Retrieval Center (ARC) for library materials, conversion of the fifth floor to a new quiet study area, more electrical outlets, fire and safety improvements including renovated stairwells and sprinklers throughout the building, accessible restrooms, and upgraded elevators. Future phases will include the construction of a building that connects the ARC to the library building, and a complete renovation of the existing library buildings. More group study rooms, as well as graduate student space, a reading room atop the Automated Retrieval Center, a digital commons, 3,264 seats in varied types for individual and group study, expanded special collections and exhibits area, and a new main entrance on the Student Union side of the building will be completed in future phases of the 21st Century Library project.
Check here for plans, images, and updates on the continuing transformation of the John C. Hitt Library.
From now through early August, it is expected that construction noise will increase in the John C. Hitt Library. Demolition of the north side of the 1st floor of the building is underway, and can be seen from outside the building or from upper floors. Equipment is being used to tear off the metal roof […]
Because of the preliminary construction on the 1st floor, about 40% of print U.S. Documents are temporarily stored offsite and are completely inaccessible. The remaining materials are accessible for staff to retrieve for patrons, but the 1st floor is closed to the public through the end of September. Our UCF Ask A Librarian service will […]
Starting Tuesday June 19th, you may hear intermittent popping, banging, drilling and grinding noise as contractors begin construction of a temporary wall on the 1st floor of the John C. Hitt Library. The wall is the first step in a 16 month project to connect the current library building to the ARC. This phase of […]
Beginning Tuesday, May 29, the 1st floor of the John C. Hitt Library will be closed to prepare for and start construction. Please pardon the noise, dust, and inconvenience. Need a book on shelves A – F? Find it in the library catalog, and click on the “Request” link. You will be notified when you can […]
The 5th Floor of the John C. Hitt Library is now open for quiet study. Enjoy the peace and quiet! The new space now has: Over 160 seats Over 320 electrical outlets 40 brand new desktop PCs
Due to a planned power outage during this time, the John C. Hitt Library will be closed from Saturday, 12/16/17 through Monday, 1/1/18. Library resources will be available at library.ucf.edu. Please return books by Friday, December 15, and check out books you need by Friday, December 15. Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery Book requests received after Wednesday, […]
When will Phase 1 be completed?
Phase 1 will be completed during Spring Semester 2018.
When will the entire project be completed?
Planning for Phase 2 began in September 2016. 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?
Future phases include:
• A new main entrance, Student Union side
• 3,264 seats in varied types for individual and group study
• Reading room atop the Automated Retrieval Center
• Digital commons
• An area for graduate students with space for individual and collaborative study, research, and writing
• Expanded special collections and exhibits area
• Open-access stacks with the capacity for 300,000 volumes
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.