The CISAT Library is 106,000 square feet. The building has five stories that combine traditional book stacks and study spaces with dramatic open study areas offering views of campus as well as the surrounding mountains. The new library, located near the Leeolou Alumni Center, houses the university’s science and technology collections and is open to all JMU students and professors as well as members of the Harrisonburg/Rockingham community. The library’s Information Commons, located on the first floor, provides access to information resources, new media, and media production technology and support services. Study space and open study areas with casual seating is available to individuals as well as small groups. Designed for 24-hour student use, there is a section offering a secure entrance, computer lab, coffee bar, and study seating.

Flexibility, along with an ability to reconfigure space to support changing programs and new technologies, were built into the design. The learning, teaching, collaborating and reflecting spaces make the new library a focal point for the academic community.

THE NIELSEN PARTNERSHIP

JMU Facilities Manager Robert Cronk says, “Everything went great. We got a permanent, rather than a temporary, occupancy permit from BCOM, which is almost unheard of. The building is in excellent condition. The building is terrific. Everyone likes it, including the occupants and the administrators. Scott Baxter and Tom Emerson were terrific to work with.”