Draft:Davis Family Library

Davis Family Library, Middlebury College

The Davis Family Library is the main library of Middlebury College, a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont, United States. Named in honor of Kathryn Wasserman Davis, the library serves as a central hub for research, learning, and collaboration within the Middlebury College community.

History

The Davis Family Library was completed in 2004 and officially opened in September of that year. It was designed by the architectural firm of Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLP, known for their work on various academic and cultural buildings. The library was made possible through a generous donation by Kathryn Wasserman Davis, a noted philanthropist and supporter of education, who contributed $10 million towards its construction.

Architecture and Facilities

The Davis Family Library is a modern facility that blends harmoniously with the traditional New England architecture of Middlebury College's campus. The building features a distinctive facade of locally sourced Vermont marble, reflecting the regional aesthetics.

The library spans four floors and offers a range of spaces and resources to support research, teaching, and learning. Its interior layout is designed to encourage collaboration, with open study areas, group study rooms, and comfortable seating throughout. The library is equipped with advanced technology, including multimedia workstations, printers, and scanners, to meet the diverse needs of students and faculty.

Collections and Resources

The library houses a comprehensive collection of print and electronic resources to support the academic programs of Middlebury College. This includes an extensive collection of books, journals, and multimedia materials covering various disciplines, from humanities and social sciences to natural sciences and mathematics. The library's Special Collections & Archives preserve and provide access to unique and rare materials related to the college's history and other significant collections.

In addition to its physical collections, the Davis Family Library provides access to a wide range of electronic resources, including databases, e-books, and online journals, which can be accessed both on and off-campus by the college community.

Services and Programs

The Davis Family Library offers a range of services to support the research and academic needs of Middlebury College students, faculty, and staff. These services include research assistance provided by librarians, information literacy instruction, interlibrary loan, and academic technology support.

The library also hosts various programs and events throughout the academic year, such as lectures, workshops, and exhibitions, which are open to the Middlebury College community and the public.

This Wikipedia article provides an overview of the Davis Family Library at Middlebury College, highlighting its history, architecture, collections, services, and programs. The library stands as a vital resource and focal point for academic life at Middlebury College, embodying a commitment to scholarship, innovation, and community engagement.