Indiana University – Addition to Auxiliary Library Facility – MEP Design

Indiana University is a public research university, and the libraries have been collecting information for over 200 years with expertise in archival preservation, open access publishing, digital collection management, statistics, geographic information systems and text-mining. The scope of work was to provide an auxiliary library facility (ALF) with distinct specifications to store and secure several kinds of reference materials. The specifications included a modern, secure climate-controlled book and object repository; book freezers; space for accessioning, lending and staff; and a secure collections vault to hold 6.4 million bound volumes.  This involved mechanical, electrical and plumbing expertise.

MNA had to design the project to exacting specifications, one of which was to provide a lighting solution that did not produce UV light. Other challenges also included rack system coordination, an all-water fire suppression system, and an extremely smooth and durable floor.

Since MNA’s execution of the original ALF on campus, which continues to be a highly functional and valuable system, it has been used as a basis of design for other IU collection buildings proving their high level of satisfaction.