AUK Library Acquires a New Look and Holds an Open House Event

After several months of hard work, the AUK Library officially started receiving visitors in the new expanded area on its second floor. In an Open House event on January 10th, the library opened doors to the AUK community to enjoy the new renovations and facilities in the previously closed area.

The new library section now houses part of the book collection, in addition to periodicals display, a reading space, a terrace, and a book display area, with a special stand for books published by AUK professors. AUK Freshman Rawah Al-Hassan , especially likes the "calm atmosphere of the new Library section and the fact that AUK Professors' books are receiving good recognition."

According to Ms. Asma Al Kanan, the newly appointed Library Director, planning and preparations started in the Library during the Summer, while actual work started beginning November and was completed in mid-December. The process was exhaustive as it included transferring and moving a book collection of over 30,000 items without affecting the daily operations and services of the library,. Fiction and Journals' current and old issues were relocated to the new space, allowing the library to free the middle area in the ground floor for twelve new tables. The Circulation Desk was also reduced and moved to the corner to free the middle area and better serve library users. Al Kanan says "I feel very proud of a hard working library staff and a supportive administration. I'm very pleased to see the productive use our users are making of the new space."

The Library Open House saw many students and faculty members, who came to help and enjoy the social and intellectual atmosphere of the event. Among those, was the current Chair of the Library Committee, Dr. Kathy Nixon, who showed appreciation to the work undergone by the Library staff. "I am impressed with the Library staff, they worked really hard," said Nixon "It is a great thing to have this event to show the students how hard the Library staff have worked to support their study process."

The Library Terrace, which has been closed for years, has turned into a lively area during the event. Dr. Marcelline Fusilier, Professor of Management and former Chair of the Library Committee, said she likes the open terrace overlooking the AUK campus. In her opinion, it serves as a breather for students to rest during studying or make conversations that are not possible inside the library "The atmosphere of the Library Open House is very welcoming, it is something new," said Dr. Fusilier.

Released by the Office of Public Affairs on the 15th January 2013