The "Heart of the Campus" construction project kicks off this month, reimagining the JPL third floor as a library for the 21st century.
AUGUST 3, 2021 — Beginning August 23, the UTSA Libraries will reopen and 24-hour service will return to the John Peace Library on the Main Campus.
Additionally, new views will be coming to the JPL with the kickoff of the “Heart of the Campus” project—a reimagination of the third floor into a library for the 21st century.
During the first phase of the construction project, crews will replace large concrete panels on the north and south portions of the building with large floor-to-ceiling window panels.
“We know from user research that the library is an essential component of the college experience, and we’re hoping to make it brighter and better,” said Dean Hendrix, dean of UTSA Libraries. “The project will allow us to create inspirational spaces that will encourage more collaboration, innovation and discovery for our students and for the research community.”
Concrete panels on the third floor of the John Peace Library will be replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows over the next year.
The window project will require the closure of the third floor for the fall 2021 semester. However, individual study rooms have been moved to the fourth floor. Former staff offices have been converted to student study spaces to account for the construction.
“The pandemic inspired us to be creative and adaptable when it comes to library spaces,” Hendrix said. “On the JPL fourth floor, we consolidated staff space and freed up 6,000 square feet for student quiet study space and collaboration areas.”
Installation of the windows on the third floor of JPL is estimated to be completed in early 2022. Loud noise may be heard in the building throughout the project as construction crews remove and break up the large concrete panels. Noise-canceling earplugs will be available to those who request them at the front desk of the library.
“We ask for your patience as we work to improve the library experience,” Hendrix said. “Our staff will be more than happy to assist with item retrieval, space needs, and with source material research. We encourage you to continue reaching out to our staff for help.”
The Libraries’ most highly used services—including remote access to databases, e-journals, e-books and streaming media, Ask Me Anything reference service, Get It for Me delivery service, and librarian consultations—will continue to support the UTSA community. Additionally, several individual and group study rooms will be available on the second floor along with those on the fourth floor.
During construction, browsing will be suspended on the third floor of the JPL, but there will be several options in place to borrow books. They include:
Browsing at the Downtown Library will continue without interruption.
Other libraries opening on UTSA campuses include the Downtown Library and the Applied Engineering & Technology Library. The Special Collections reading room at JPL will be available by appointment.
Additionally, the Faculty Center on the fourth floor of the JPL will be available for faculty drop-in visits or for reservation by faculty. Visit faculty.utsa.edu for more information.
For a full list of library hours, log on to lib.utsa.edu/hours.
John Peace Library
Downtown Library
Applied Engineering & Technology Library
Special Collections Reading Room at JPL
The UTSA Libraries are at the forefront of reimagining the 21st-century academic library. With four locations across three campuses, the libraries are fueling UTSA’s ascent to a premier public research university by providing students and faculty with seamless, comprehensive access to information and learning resources as well as innovative spaces for active learning and interdisciplinary scholarship.
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Join us as we celebrate and induct our students who are ready to begin their journey to becoming teachers.
Retama Auditorium & Galleria, Main CampusJoin the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the biology, health and environment program.
Denman Galleria (SU2.01,) Student Union, Main CampusJoin us for the Veteran Cording Ceremony, a special graduation event honoring the journey of our veteran students. This ceremony celebrates your achievements and the unique path you've traveled to reach this milestone. You will have the opportunity to be corded on stage by someone of your choice—a loved one, mentor, or friend—or by our Director of Veteran and Military Affairs.
Richard Liu Auditorium (BB 2.01.02,) Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeUTSA Staff Senate will be sponsoring the UTSA Great Staff Appreciation event for all staff employees.
H-E-B Student Union Ballroom 1 & 2, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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