Libraries

Over the last year, the University of Wisconsin–Madison Libraries have developed a long-term facilities master plan we believe offers a thoughtful and strategic approach to the libraries’ ongoing role as a fundamental part of a successful university. With the assistance of several campus divisions, as well as a team of architectural and research consultants from brightspot strategy (New York) and Engberg Anderson (Milwaukee/Madison), the master plan was created to guide the long-term development of spaces that will support services that enhance teaching, learning, and research, while creating a cohesive campus library identity, over a 25-year timeframe.

The master plan ties together the work underway with strategic planning, consolidation, and service delivery. The master plan provides a rational, sustainable, long-term plan required of a large, complex, and distributed library system.

It is important to recognize that master plans naturally evolve as priorities and in-depth details emerge throughout the process. In the next phase, the implementation of the master plan recommendations, the libraries will work with the University Library Committee, and other representatives of the research community, to ensure that decisions made serve all sectors of campus.

KEY DOCUMENTS:

1. View the Consultants’ Full Report here. 
2. View the University Library Committee’s advisory report on the Campus Libraries’ Facilities Master Planning Process here.   (Prepared for the Campus Planning Committee and circulation to campus, approved by ULC on April 10, 2018)
3. View the presentation to the Campus Planning Committee here. (May 3, 2018)

We invite your comments and input on the report:

• Feedback and input may be submitted here.
• Questions about the facilities master planning process may be directed to Carrie Kruse.
• For additional information about the master plan, please visit our FAQ page.

Project Work and Engagement Timeline

Our consulting groups, brightspot and Engberg Anderson, scheduled campus visits between December 2016 and December 2017 to engage with students, faculty, and staff. 

• The consulting team’s Draft User Research Report (April 2017) can be found here.
• The presentation from the April 25-26, 2017 Town Halls can be found here.
  • Introductory remarks for the Town Halls from the Vice Provost for Libraries can be found here. 
• Minutes from the November 29, 2017 Design Review Board meeting can be found here.
• The presentations from the December 7, 2017 Town Hall can be found here.
  • Click here to view a video recording of the second presentation, which occurred at Steenbock Library.

• See our detailed list of ongoing Engagement Efforts here.

Facilities Master Plan News Stories

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  Libraries Complete Long-Term Facilities Master Plan, Present at Campus Forums on December 7, 2017

  Imagine: A completely reconstructed Memorial Library that preserves the historic core of the building while replacing many book stacks with optimized user spaces; a new south campus library, plus remodeled College and Steenbock libraries. That is part of the vision in the newly completed University of Wisconsin–Madison Libraries long-term facilities master plan.

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  Libraries Facilities Master Plan Update

  July 11, 2017 – The consultants working with the Libraries on the Library Master Plan recently completed a series of town halls on campus to provide faculty, students, staff, and the community updates on the process so far.

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  Libraries Announce Long-Term Master Plan Process Updates, Prepare for Campus Town Halls

  April 19, 2017 – During the week of April 24, the Libraries will hold two town halls for the campus, which are open to the public.

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  Library Master Plan - March Update

  March 8, 2017 – The Libraries master planning efforts continue as our consulting groups, brightspot strategy and Engberg Anderson Architects, return to campus the week of March 27.

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  Library Master Plan Process Update

  January 20, 2017 – On Wednesday January 25, consultants will hold one-on-one, “drop-in” style interviews by setting up stations at different locations around the UW campus to talk to the community about their library experiences and suggestions for its future planning efforts.

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  Libraries Begin Master Plan Process

  December 2, 2016 – We need your help to shape the long-term future of physical library spaces at the UW-Madison!