Library_1969-75_041

LIBKAHY COMMITTEE 10 a(tt« •"■arch 1, 1973 Room 400, Library Draft Minutes Hr, Pippin called the meeting to order with the request that consideration of agenda and minutes be omitted since the Goimslttea was meeting In special session to hear the report of the library consultant„ Dr. Byrd. He then introduced Dr* Byrd, who described the plans as now set for the new library. Flexibility. Dr. Byrd compared the building to an outline, saying that externally it was fixed but internally it provided the library staff with complete freedom to make any arrangements which prove valuable to staff, faculty, and students. Construction Time. University engineers project a two-year conntruction period once the site is settled and building begins. Plans will be presented to the Board of Trustees In Hoy. Site. Now projected for the comer of Sheikh Mhan end Youssef ©1 Guindi, next to the student hostel, the library can also be &ccom~ modated on the New Campus If necessary. The projected site allows room for expansion. Plan. Dr. Byrd showed the Committee rough diagrams, pointing out Cho innovative tower-building combination which allows maximum efficient use of the 76,000 square feet of assignable floor space. Electric lighting will be uniform, supplemented by natural light from plastic “bubble” skylights. The library itself will be windowXese; the tower, containing many offices, will have windows in accordance with Cairo legal requirements of windows for offices. Both will be «i>*-condi -tioned. Dr. Byrd responded to criticism of the lack of windows, citing cheaper construction and maintenance costs, reduction of. sin:*, end better control of dust and dirt. Other important features include the exposed concrete exterior., a floor covering of discarded rubber tires (used in the Smithsonian)„ acoustic ceilings (9-10 feet), a keyed elevator, and a possible emergency generator. Six hundred small study tables will be placed throughout the library, many providing the privacy net available in the current library. The tower will also contain group study and typing rooms, opening off its monumental staircase which provides the only access to floors two, three, and four. Of materials necessary Dr. Byrd reported that these will be purchased locally If available