Wondering where the heart of the Atlanta University Center beats? It pulses right here at the Robert W. Woodruff Library. This isn’t just a repository of books. It’s the intellectual and information hub for Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College.
Established in 1982, the Robert W. Woodruff Library stands as a testament to Robert Winship Woodruff. He was the former CEO of the Coca-Cola Company. His dedication to education made this library possible. Imagine the countless students who have passed through these doors. They all sought knowledge and inspiration within these walls.
The Robert W. Woodruff Library serves over 8,300 students. It offers a wealth of resources for academic success. Think about the sheer volume of information housed here. Over a million items fill its shelves and digital spaces. There are approximately 383,000 print volumes. Furthermore, there are 43,000 electronic books and 867,000 microforms. Also, 314,000 government documents provide a deep dive into history and policy. Students can also access 17,000 theses and dissertations. In addition, 35,000 bound periodicals offer a glimpse into past research.
But the Robert W. Woodruff Library is more than just books. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology. Windows and Mac computers stand ready for use. Wireless printing makes life easier for students. Audio and video editing suites allow for creative projects. Software like Adobe Creative Cloud and Final Cut are readily available.
The Archives and Special Collections department holds unique treasures. It specializes in materials about the African American experience. It also holds the history of AUC schools. The Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr Collection is here. The Henry P Slaughter collection also resides here.
In 2010, the Robert W. Woodruff Library underwent a $16.2 million renovation. The Coca-Cola Company partly funded it. Renovated spaces include a new Learning Commons with a Technology Design Studio. The archives reading room was totally redesigned. New graduate study areas and quiet study suites were also created. This was the first major interior upgrade since the building’s dedication in 1982.
The Robert W. Woodruff Library is a member of various prestigious organizations. These include ARCHE, Lyrasis, OCLC and the HBCU Library Alliance. It also participates in the Georgia state library network, GALILEO. In 2016, the library won the Excellence in Academic Libraries Award. It was awarded by the Association of College and Research Libraries. It was the first HBCU to win this award.
More than just a building, the Robert W. Woodruff Library is a vibrant hub. It fosters learning, research and collaboration. It truly stands as the center of the Atlanta University Center.