Academic and Research Library Project Information

The new 93,000 square foot main library for Mercer University, completed in 1989, is a four-floor facility. Michaels Associates was involved from the earliest phases participating on the planning team with architect, Dunwoody & Bealand, the associate provost, Dr. Marjorie Davis and then-library director, Dumont Bunn. At each phase detailed interior layouts were provided to test the feasibility and functionality of the architectural direction. Refinements in terms of lighting, wall, door and fenestration locations were provided as well. Lighting, wiring, and furniture selection were made with expanding technologies in mind, and difficult budget constraints were satisfied by all wood, custom furniture. All tables and carrels were custom designed to complement the building's neo-Gothic architectural character and to coordinate with all other furnishings selected and specified. The deep, jewel palette enriches the interior which includes a large documents collection, a sizeable special collections and rare books complex, and a 24-hour study center. The project was completed under the direction of Ms. Mary Howard, Mr. Bunn's successor. Planning and implementation spanned the library's transition from card catalog to on-line systems.