Bracken Library

Last updated
Bracken Library
Bracken Library, Ball State University, 2014.JPG
Bracken Library
General information
Type Library
Architectural style Brutalist
LocationSouth of University Green; Center of Ball State University campus
Coordinates 40°12′09″N85°24′26″W / 40.202461°N 85.407182°W / 40.202461; -85.407182
Named forAlexander M. Bracken
Completed1975
Design and construction
Architect(s)Walter Scholer & Associates; The Perkins and Will Partnership, Chicago
Website
www.bsu.edu/library/

The Alexander M. Bracken Library is the main library on the campus of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Opened in September 1975 and designed by Walter Scholer and Associates and the Perkins and Will Partnership of Chicago, the 320,000-square-foot facility is located in the geographic center of the Ball State University campus and is distinguishable for its unique, Brutalist architecture. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

The main collection of Ball State's University Libraries, the Bracken Library holds a collection of over of 1.5 million print volumes, over 2,900 periodical subscriptions, over 1 million microforms, nearly 98,000 government documents, and over 120,000 maps as well as audiovisual materials, music scores, and archival resources. [4] [5] In addition, Bracken Library visitors have online access to scholarly literature, learning objects, and primary sources though over 65 electronic research databases including the Digital Media Repository and Cardinal Scholar Institutional Repository which provide access to digitized archival resources and Ball State scholarly works. [6] [7] On average, the library receives more than 4,500 visitors per day to access collections materials, participate in instruction sessions and consultations, and use technology resources. [8]

The library is named for Alexander M. Bracken, Muncie lawyer and philanthropist who served as a member of the State Teachers College Board and the Ball State University Board of Trustees from 1954 to 1980 who “was instrumental in Ball State’s rapid growth in the decades following World War II.” [9]

A casting of Albin Polasek's Forest Idyll is displayed on the first floor lobby of Bracken Library. The sculpture serves as a popular meeting place for students and is colloquially referred to as "The Naked Lady." [10]

History

On May 24, 1972, ground was broken on the new library building and on February 20, 1974, the Ball State University Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the new library for Alexander M. Bracken to honor his years of service to Ball State University. During August 1975, moving crews transported over 700,000 books and thousands of periodicals, government documents, and other resources to Bracken Library from what is now the North Quadrangle Building, the previous home to the library's collections.

On September 9, 1975, Bracken Library first opened to patrons. On March 26, 1976, Bracken Library was formally dedicated; Stephen K. Bailey, vice president of the American Council on Education, gave the principal address at the ceremony. Ball State University Special Collections and the John Steinbeck Collection were also dedicated on that day in a special ceremony attended by Elaine Steinbeck, widow of John Steinbeck, and Elizabeth R. Otis, Steinbeck's literary agent.

On May 14, 1977, the Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library was organized to generate financial support and goodwill for Ball State University Libraries.

In 1987, Bracken Library patrons first gained access to the university's automated card catalog and circulation system.

In 2001, films and videos on DVD first became available for checking to Bracken Library patrons, and in 2003, laptops, projectors, and digital cameras became available for borrowing. [11]

The Helen B. and Martin D. Schwartz Special Collections and Digital Complex in Bracken Library was dedicated on August 17, 2009. The collaborative and interactive learning and teaching space accommodates instruction, research, and programming activities at Bracken Library. [12]

Resources

Archives and Special Collections

Ball State University Archives & Special Collections collects, preserves, and provides access to records of Ball State University's history, archival collections documenting Muncie and Delaware County history in the Stoeckel Archives of Local History, a collection of research materials on Muncie as Middletown, rare books and literary manuscripts, and special collections. [13]

Prominent collections in Archives & Special Collections include the papers of Parliamentarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner Sir Norman Angell [14] and the papers of former United States Congressman Philip Sharp. [15]

Archives & Special Collections also houses over 1,000 volumes and 25 cubic feet of manuscript material documenting the work and career of author John Steinbeck. [16]

Educational Technology and Resources Collection

Educational Technology and Resources provides patrons access to resources to support teaching and instruction including digital equipment and technology, DVDs, audiobooks, textbooks, youth books, and classroom teaching materials. Digital equipment circulated by the department includes laptops, digital cameras, portable hard drives, microphones, and chargers and cables. [17]

GIS Research and Map Collection

The GIS Research and Map Collection offers access to the GIS software and to online GIS tutorials, datasets, online mapping applications, and in-house GIS data. The collection also offers access to a traditional map collection that includes and has available for circulation over 145,000 maps, atlases, charts, gazetteers, and other cartographic resources. [18]

Music collection

The music collection contains musical scores, books on music and music recordings, with more than 17,000 CDs in a wide variety of genres as well as a collection of music reference materials. The collection also provides access to Finale 2014 music notation software that facilitates the arranging and composing of music. [19]

In addition to materials housed in Bracken Library, the Ball State University Libraries also provides patrons access to materials in the Architecture Library, the Drawings and Documents Archive, and the Science-Health Science Library.

Architecture Library

Housed in Ball State University's Architecture Building, the Architecture Library provides access to 27,000 books, over 100 periodical subscriptions, and nearly 300 audio visual resources on the subjects of architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, and historic preservation. The Architecture Library also includes the Visual Resources Collection that provides access to collections of architecture images and building material samples. [20]

Drawings and Documents Archive

A collecting area of Archives & Special Collections housed in Ball State University's Architecture Building, the Drawings and Documents Archive document's the history of Indiana's built environment. Available through this collection are over 120,000 architectural drawings, landscape plans, photographs, models, and other architectural records. [21]

Included in the collection are archival records from the Pierre & Wright architectural firm, [22] the Vonnegut & Bohn architectural firm, [23] and prominent African American architect Edwin A. Gibson. [24]

Science-Health Science Library

Located in Ball State University's Cooper Science Complex, the Science-Health Science Library provides access to a collection of reference and circulating books in the areas of chemistry, physics, geology, nursing, biology, and physiology. Patrons of this library also have access to over 80 scientific journal titles as well as teaching materials and audio-visual resources. [25]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digitization</span> Converting information into digital form

Digitization is the process of converting information into a digital format. The result is the representation of an object, image, sound, document, or signal obtained by generating a series of numbers that describe a discrete set of points or samples. The result is called digital representation or, more specifically, a digital image, for the object, and digital form, for the signal. In modern practice, the digitized data is in the form of binary numbers, which facilitates processing by digital computers and other operations, but digitizing simply means "the conversion of analog source material into a numerical format"; the decimal or any other number system can be used instead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ball State University</span> University in Muncie, Indiana, U.S.

Ball State University is a public research university in Muncie, Indiana. It has two satellite facilities in Fishers and Indianapolis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Research library</span> Library that supports scholarly research

A research library is a library that contains an in-depth collection of material on one or several subjects. A research library will generally include an in-depth selection of materials on a particular topic or set of topics and contain primary sources as well as secondary sources. Research libraries are established to meet research needs and, as such, are stocked with authentic materials with quality content. Research libraries are typically attached to academic or research institutions that specialize in that topic and serve members of that institution. Large university libraries are considered research libraries, and often contain many specialized branch research libraries. The libraries provide research materials for students and staff of these organizations to use and can also publish and carry literature produced by these institutions and make them available to others. Research libraries could also be accessible to members of the public who wish to gain in-depth knowledge on that particular topic.

The California Digital Library (CDL) was founded by the University of California in 1997. Under the leadership of then UC President Richard C. Atkinson, the CDL's original mission was to forge a better system for scholarly information management and improved support for teaching and research. In collaboration with the ten University of California Libraries and other partners, CDL assembled one of the world's largest digital research libraries. CDL facilitates the licensing of online materials and develops shared services used throughout the UC system. Building on the foundations of the Melvyl Catalog, CDL has developed one of the largest online library catalogs in the country and works in partnership with the UC campuses to bring the treasures of California's libraries, museums, and cultural heritage organizations to the world. CDL continues to explore how services such as digital curation, scholarly publishing, archiving and preservation support research throughout the information lifecycle.

The Lied Library building is located on the University of Nevada's Las Vegas (UNLV) campus in Paradise, Nevada. At 5 stories high and 302,000 square feet (28,100 m2), it is the largest building on the campus and the Architect of Record was Welles Pugsley Architects. It first opened on January 8, 2001. UNLV Libraries was established in 1957 and include the Lied Library that opened in 2001. Other campus libraries are the Architecture Studies Library, the Health Sciences Library, the Teacher Development & Resources Library, and the UNLV Music Library. UNLV Libraries has a collection of more than one million volumes, access to over 20,000 online and print journals, and more than 2 million additional resources of various media such as microfilm, DVDs, and government publications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ArchNet</span> Digital humanities project on Islamic architecture and the built environment of Muslim societies

Archnet is a collaborative digital humanities project focused on Islamic architecture and the built environment of Muslim societies. Conceptualized in 1998 and originally developed at the MIT School of Architecture and Planning in co-operation with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. It has been maintained by the Aga Khan Documentation Center at MIT and the Aga Khan Trust for Culture since 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Maryland Libraries</span> Academic library in Maryland, United States

The University of Maryland Libraries is the largest university library in the Washington D.C.–Baltimore area. The university's library system includes eight libraries: six are located on the College Park campus, while the Severn Library, an off-site storage facility, is located just outside campus, and the Priddy Library is located on the University System of Maryland satellite campus in Shady Grove.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">State Library of North Carolina</span>

The State Library of North Carolina is an institution which serves North Carolina libraries, state government employees, genealogists, and the citizens of North Carolina. The library is the main depository for North Carolina state publications and serves the needs of North Carolina government agencies and state government employees by providing access to information resources that are vital to public decision-making and economic development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Washington University Libraries</span> Library system of Washington University in Missouri, United States

Washington University Libraries is the library system of Washington University in St. Louis. The system includes 12 libraries and over 5.5 million volumes. The John M. Olin Library is the central library.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas A&M University Libraries</span>

The Texas A&M University Libraries support the teaching, research, and outreach missions of Texas A&M University through leadership in acquiring, managing, and delivering information in an environment that fosters learning and inquiry. In particular, Texas A&M is nationally and internationally recognized for many research collections, including:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alkek Library</span>

The Albert B. Alkek Library is the architectural centerpiece and intellectual hub of the Texas State University San Marcos campus. It offers library patrons the opportunity to explore, create and discover in an expansive seven-story building that is packed with resources, technology and spaces for quiet or collaborative research and study. The Wittliff Collections of Southwestern Writers and Southwestern & Mexican Photography and Texas Music is located on the seventh floor of the Alkek Library. Committed to preserving the creative legacy of the Southwest to instruct and inspire future generations, The Wittliff's cultural pillars provide the keystone for discovery of the region's heritage through thousands of archival treasures.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UNCG University Libraries</span>

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro University Libraries system has two branches on campus, both located in Greensboro, NC. These include the Walter Clinton Jackson Library and the Harold Schiffman Music Library. Affiliated campus libraries include the Teaching Resource Center and SELF Design Studio in the School of Education, the Interior Architecture Library in the Gatewood Studio Arts Building, and the Intercultural Resource Center located in the Elliot University Center. During the fall and spring semesters, Jackson Library provides a 24/5 study space for UNCG students, faculty and staff with UNCG ID from 12 am Monday – 7:00 am Friday. Michael A. Crumpton is the current Interim Dean of the libraries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Woodson Research Center</span>

Woodson Research Center is an archive located in Fondren Library at Rice University in Houston, Texas. The Center is named for Benjamin N. Woodson and houses the special collections of Rice University's Fondren Library which includes manuscript collections, rare books, and the Rice University archives. Within the manuscript collections, there are archives focused on specific collecting areas, which include the Houston Asian American Archive, the Houston Folk Music Archive, and the Houston Jewish History Archive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">IUPUI University Library</span> University library in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.

IUPUI University Library is the university library of Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis. IUPUI is an urban campus of Indiana University and Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. Indiana University is the managing partner.

The Cantigny First Division Oral Histories are a collection of video oral history interviews with veterans of the 1st Infantry Division of the United States Army, commonly known as the Big Red One. The First Division was the first permanent division in the regular Army, and is recognized by its ability to improve battlefield performance through learning experiences and its exceptional “esprit de corps.”

<span class="mw-page-title-main">State Library of Massachusetts</span> Library in the Massachusetts State House

The State Library of Massachusetts in Boston, Massachusetts was established in 1826 and "supports the research and information needs of government, libraries, and people through ... services and access to a comprehensive repository of state documents and other historical items." It "opened in 1826 and has been in its present location in the State House since the 1890s." The State Library falls under the administration of the governor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carnegie Library (Muncie, Indiana)</span> United States historic place

The Carnegie Library is a historic Carnegie library located at Muncie, Indiana, United States. The building houses the Local History & Genealogy collection and an open computer lab. The facility also provides wireless access and a meeting room for local groups to reserve. It is one of four branches that make up the Muncie Public Library System. The building was made possible through a financial donation to the City of Muncie by Andrew Carnegie to expand their library system throughout the community. The foundation for Carnegie Library was built in 1902 and the building opened to the public in 1904. It has been in continuous use as a library since its opening. The building is located in downtown Muncie at the intersection of Jackson and Jefferson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Montana State University Library</span> American academic library

The Montana State University Library (MSU Library) is the academic library of Montana State University, Montana's land-grant university, in Bozeman, Montana, United States. It is the flagship library for all of the Montana State University System's campuses. In 1978, the library was named the Roland R. Renne Library to honor the sixth president of the university. The library supports the research and information needs of Montana's students, faculty, and the Montana Extension Service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ETH Library</span> Swiss public library

ETH Library is the largest public scientific and technical library in Switzerland. As the central university library and knowledge hub of ETH Zurich, the ETH Library ensures the provision of scientific and technical information. Furthermore, it also offers resources for the public and companies in research and development. Particular emphasis is placed on electronic information for university members and the development of innovative services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elyachar Central Library</span>

The Elyachar Central Library is the central body in the Technion library system. As such, it has a dual role: to provide an infrastructure for all the Technion libraries and to provide various services to its patrons. The Central Library determines policies and guidelines for all the Technion libraries. The library's building is located in the heart of the Nave-Shaanan Campus in Haifa. Funding for the building was contributed by Colonel Jehiel Elyachar and the library is named after him.

References

  1. ↑ "Alexander Bracken Library opens today". The Ball State Daily News. September 9, 1975. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  2. ↑ "Bracken Library exhibit celebrates 40th anniversary". Ball State University. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  3. ↑ "Library project '98 per cent' done". Ball State Daily News. Ball State University. July 15, 1975. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  4. ↑ "Bracken Library". Ball State University Campus Landmarks and Traditions. Archived from the original on 2017-03-13. Retrieved 2016-11-08.
  5. ↑ "Alexander M. Bracken Library". LibraryThing. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  6. ↑ "Student Research Resources". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  7. ↑ "Digital Initiatives". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  8. ↑ "Dean Arthur W. Hafner Made University Libraries a Destination for Research, Learning, and Friends" (PDF). Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library Newsletter. Friends of the Alexander M. Bracken Library. 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 November 2016. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  9. ↑ "Library namesake dies Monday". Ball State Daily News. April 24, 1991. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  10. ↑ "The Story of Frog Baby & The Naked Lady". Ball State University Campus Life. Archived from the original on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  11. ↑ "Ball State University Libraries Timeline". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  12. ↑ "Helen B. and Martin D. Schwartz Special Collections and Digital Complex Dedication Held in Bracken Library". Ball State University Archives and Special Collections Blog. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  13. ↑ "Archives and Special Collections". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  14. ↑ "Sir Norman Angell Papers finding aid" (PDF). Ball State University Libraries, Archives & Special Collections. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  15. ↑ "Congressman Philip R. Sharp Papers" (PDF). Ball State University Libraries, Archives & Special Collections. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  16. ↑ "John Steinbeck Collections". Ball State University Libraries, Archives & Special Collections. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  17. ↑ "Educational Technology and Resources Collection". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  18. ↑ "GIS Research and Map Collection". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  19. ↑ "Music Collection". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  20. ↑ "Architecture Library". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  21. ↑ "Drawings and Documents Archives". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  22. ↑ "Pierre and Wright Architectural Records" (PDF). Ball State University Libraries, Drawings and Documents Archive. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  23. ↑ "Vonnegut and Bohn Architectural Records". Ball State University Digital Media Repository. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  24. ↑ "Ed Gibson & Associates Architectural Records" (PDF). Ball State University Libraries, Drawings and Documents Archive. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  25. ↑ "Science-Health Science Library". Ball State University Libraries. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.