Imagine, if you will, a treasure chest not filled with gold, but with something far more valuable knowledge. That is the Lied Library.
The Lied Library stands tall on the UNLV campus in Paradise Nevada. It spans five stories. It impresses with 302000 square feet. It is the largest building on campus. Welles Pugsley Architects designed it. The library opened on January 8, 2001. But the story of UNLV Libraries started much earlier.
UNLV Libraries began in 1955. It was before UNLV even had its own campus. The first library was in Las Vegas High School. It had 1800 books. These books were donated.
In 1957, the library moved to Maude Frazier Hall. This was the first permanent building on the UNLV campus. $17000 was budgeted for books. A part-time librarian was hired.
By 1959, the library relocated to Archie C. Grant Hall. There were two full-time librarians. Two clerical staff served the growing community.
Planning for a dedicated library building began in 1962. Architect James Brooks McDaniel designed it. The one-story circular building opened in 1963. It held 45000 volumes.
In 1967, two additional floors were added. The building was renamed the James R. Dickinson Library. This honored the first full-time faculty member assigned to Las Vegas.
Over time, the library needed more space. A four-story addition was completed in 1981. But by 1990, it was clear a new library was needed.
Planning for the Lied Library began in 1991. In 1994, funding was approved. Welles-Pugsley and Leo A. Daly were awarded the contract.
A major gift from Christina Hixson made construction possible. She was the executrix of the Lied Charitable Trust. The groundbreaking was on March 26, 1998.
The Lied Library uses advanced technology. The Lied Automated Storage and Retrieval unit is impressive. Computer-controlled cranes access stored materials. It can store approximately 600000 volumes. The system can expand to hold 600000 more.
The Media Distribution System enhances the library experience. It delivers media to carrels and classrooms. Users do not have to handle equipment.
Digital ID technology is used for tracking materials. Staff uses handheld scanners. They quickly check shelf order. They search for missing items.
The Lied Library also houses special collections. It features the world’s largest gaming collection. It includes books periodicals and visual materials. The collection spans gaming history since the 16th century. It focuses on gaming in Las Vegas. Corporate archives from major gaming companies are also here. These include Harrah’s MGM and Boyd Gaming.
Today, UNLV Libraries has over one million volumes. It has access to over 20000 online journals. It also has over 2 million additional resources. These include microfilm and DVDs.
The Lied Library stands as a testament to knowledge. It is a place where the past informs the future. Remember the name Lied Library. It is more than just a building. It is a cornerstone of UNLV. It’s a beacon for all who seek to learn.