Lander University officials broke ground Tuesday, March 3, on a new library information commons, marking the beginning of a student-centered, transformative project that will redefine the heart of campus learning. The modern facility will serve as a dynamic hub for research, technology, academic collaboration and student success.
This past fall, Lander welcomed more than 4,600 students, nearly triple what the current library was intended to serve when it was constructed in 1976. Lander President Richard Cosentino said, “Over the past decade alone, we’ve experienced remarkable momentum, including seven consecutive years of record enrollment. That growth tells us something meaningful: students and families believe in Lander. They believe in our faculty, and they believe in the value of a Lander education.”
With that growth comes responsibility, Cosentino added.
“The way that students learn, conduct research and collaborate looks very different than it did 50 years ago, or even a few years ago,” he said. “If we expect our graduates to thrive in a fast-paced, technology-driven world, we must provide spaces that reflect how learning happens in the 21st century.”
Funding for the construction of the information commons was awarded by the state legislature in FY 2022-23, with additional funding allocated to renovate the existing Jackson Library building into classroom and lab space.
Located adjacent to the University’s oldest building, Laura Lander Hall, the information commons will also be directly across from Lander’s new nursing building, which is expected to be completed later this year.
The first library at Lander was housed in Laura Lander Hall, Cosentino said, noting that the modern building “represents powerful symbolism” to the University’s original campus in Greenwood.
Information Commons Is Fruition of Careful Collaboration
Lisa Wiecki, Lander’s director of Library Services, said the final design and concept were the result of input given during student and faculty-led surveys and focus groups, as well as hours spent with the building’s architect, the Garvin Design Group.
“The architects were deep listeners and translated what they heard into an inspired, jewel box of a space full of special details like a grand reading room and artfully designed breakout spaces,” she said. “The building will also have a multi-purpose classroom space where we will invite our campus partners to offer workshops for skill building.”
Regardless of the technology and research capabilities that the information commons will offer, the “delivery of heartfelt experiences will never change,” Wiecki said. “The information professionals working in the library have always had deep empathy for the student experience, gratitude for anyone who walks through our doors to enjoy the space, and a desire to help students and faculty connect to any information they need, whether it be library provided resources and services, or other services available on the campus.”
A Clear Vision for the Future
Donald Lloyd, chair of Lander’s Board of Trustees, said the board’s great responsibility is stewardship to ensure “that Lander is not only strong today, but positioned for the decades ahead. Moments like this affirm that we’re doing just that.”
Partnerships among many individuals were invaluable to ensure that the information commons would be built, Lloyd said, highlighting the work of the Greenwood Legislative Delegation to secure state funding for the building, to the design and construction teams and the many advocates who believe in Lander University.
Wes Drummond of J.M. Cope Construction said the company believes in working to impact future generations. “We are excited to get going,” he said. “When you build for people, you build for tomorrow.”
Lloyd said the new building is a testament to the community that has rallied to support the University throughout its history.
“Years from now, students will walk through the doors of the information commons and simply see it as a part of their Lander experience … they may not think about this ceremony. But what we begin today will quietly influence thousands of lives in the future.”
Information Commons Groundbreaking by University Marketing & Communications