The Center for Library and Information Resources is one of Valparaiso University’s largest and most sophisticated buildings. This four-story structure is one of the newest facilities on the University campus that provides students access to traditional library services and the modern technology associated with electronic information retrieval. The 115,000-square-foot building was part of a $33 million construction project that included the creation of a new campus entrance off U.S. Route 30 and a new parking area.

Utilizing the natural slope of the site, the second floor (main entrance), is at ground level on the north side of the building, while all four floors are visible on the other sides of the center. The steel frame and composite deck structure was designed and supported by deep foundation. The heavy library design loads and the location of the structure in the seismic zone required the lateral load analysis for seismic loads, in addition to wind loads.

Design elements included a two-story reading room with a glass wall, monumental staircase and cantilevered floor edges. The sunshade, a unique and modern architectural and structural feature imitating the old libraries’ concept of book shelves, was designed with monitors which allow light through openings onto a terrace at the fourth floor level.

Klein and Hoffman was a structural subconsultant and provided structural engineering services for program analysis/schematics, design development, and preparation of construction documents. K&H also provided bidding and construction support services during construction.