The Identity of the LibraryA perspective on how technology has changed the traditional identity and atmosphere of the Purdue Library.

The Engineering Fountain

• Purdue University was established in 1865 as a land-grant college near Lafayette, Indiana. It was primarily established as a college of Science, Technology, and Agriculture.

• Since then, the University has gone on to house one of the most renowned English and Liberal Arts programs in the country.

• The epitome of the program is the Humanities and Social Sciences Library, or HSSE.

• It is one of the largest libraries at Purdue, spanning four floors and countless volumes on everything from Ancient Religions to modern political theory.

Purdue University

• Purdue University was established in 1865 as a land-grant college near Lafayette, Indiana. It was primarily established as a college of Science, Technology, and Agriculture.

• Since then, the University has gone on to

Purdue University

• Purdue University was established in 1865 as a land-grant college near Lafayette, Indiana. It was primarily established as a college of Science, Technology, and Agriculture.

• Since then, the University has gone on to

Purdue University

The Back Entrance of the Library, with its imposing stairways and strong pillars, brings us back to the values that Purdue hold above all. Strength, self-reliance, and Academia.

• Purdue University was established in 1865 as a land-grant college near Lafayette, Indiana. It was primarily established as a college of Science, Technology, and Agriculture.

• Since then, the University has gone on to

Purdue University

Humanities and Social Sciences Library• The Library is located within the Stewart Centre at

Purdue. The Centre is home to many of the cultural happenings, as well as the Loeb Playhouse, the Experimental Theatre division, various art and photography galleries, and Fowler Hall. The Centre also plays home the Distance Learning program, as well as the Office for Career Counseling.

• Essentially, if there is something happening in the broad scope of the Liberal Arts, it happens at the Stewart Centre.

Surrounded by grassy knolls, and lit around with lamp-posts rather than glaring mercury light, the HSSE presents itself as an oasis of Academia.

The Check-out Machine, making it easier and faster than ever to get the books you want.

At what point does a Library transition from a hall of scholastic achievement to a cyber-café? The HSSE presents conflicting identities, with the first floor looking more like a well-lit, equipped computer room, rather than the traditional feel of a library. When one walks in, there are more people on Facebook, Skype, and IM rather than involved in research. Then, as you transition to the remaining floors, it resumes its identity as a Library.

Research, Study, Work, Concentration. These are the values and ideals enshrined within the top floors of the HSSE Library, providing a sharp contrast to the first floor.