By reader request!

"What has changed in the Newman Library ... since 1988?"

Newman Library has changed significantly over the years to meet the needs of our diverse students, staff, and faculty. The collection has grown and evolved (see our Spring '21 magazine for more information on how) and our services and spaces have too. So much has changed, but our mission remains the same. Here are a few areas of the library that you may recognize, and a few that you may not!

1988:

A person typing alone on a compact CRT all-in-one computer located at the end of a row of bookshelves.

Now:

A group of students working together on their laptops at a media table with a large monitor.

Our computer friendly spaces have gotten more advanced and collaborative.

1988:

A person wearing headphones writing on paper alone on the 3rd floor of Newman Library. They are sitting at one of several wooden study carrels arranged around a curved wall.

Now:

A person sitting alone in front of their laptop on the 3rd floor of Newman Library. They are sitting at one of several wooden study carrels arranged around a curved wall.

A few spaces, like our third floor quiet study pods, remain a student staple.

1988:

Several students work alone or in small groups at small wooden desks in an open space.

Now:

A large group of students sitting together at a long table talking and working on their laptops. More large groups of students are spread out at scattered tables with power outlets.

Group study spaces have expanded on the fourth floor and fill up quickly.

80's themes triangles and patterns.

1996:

A person sitting sideways on a cushioned bench against a glass wall reading from their notebook. Next to them in the space are a few bookshelves and potted plants.

Now:

A person sitting at a long curved bench facing a glass wall. Around the room are small cafe-style round tables, pairs of chairs, and a cafe counter.

The first floor rounded glass study space is now our cafe.

1955:

An open, tiled, indoor space with a few chairs and tables on sections of carpet. Two cadets lean against a short wall in the distance and bookshelves line the walls.

Now:

An open, tiled and carpeted space with many students at clusters of chairs and tables. A print center, laptop kiosks, and media surround the furniture and line the walls.

This 2nd floor spot continues to be popular and now also holds our print center, laptop kiosks, event and exhibit spaces.

1955:

Newman Library at the corner of Alumni Mall and Drillfield Drive. A single short tree stands on the corner of the sidewalk.

Now:

Newman Library at the corner of Alumni Mall and Drillfield Drive. Large, lush trees, bushes, and shrubs surround the building and line the sidewalk.

Even with so much changing inside, Hokies are still greeted by a familiar face.

Take a virtual tour of Newman Library to see what else is new in Newman!

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