Baldwin ? The newly remodeled Collins Library at Baker University is more than rows of dusty books.

With more than 100 new computers, a 24-hour commons area and 3,800 electronic books, it’s becoming a hangout for Baker University students.

“I used the old library, but I didn’t use it as often,” said Candace Bell, a senior from Kansas City, Kan., who plans to graduate in December. “This is more inviting. The union is a gathering space for students to socialize and study and meet with clubs. The library is becoming another place — but you can do deep studying here if necessary. It’s a huge improvement.”

The library, which underwent $6.3 million in renovations between August 2001 and December 2002, officially will be dedicated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, as part of Baker’s Alumni Weekend and commencement festivities.

“This was the biggest project we’ve seen and the only project finished on time,” said Bonnie Postlethwaite, Baker information services director.

Technology is a focus for the new library.

The 112 new computers each have a flat-screen monitor and optical mouse. All have Internet access. Two computer classrooms are equipped with a VCR, DVD player and PC connection to a SmartBoard projection screen. The SmartBoard also serves as a digital whiteboard. Teachers write on it with a special pen and are able to upload their writings to their PC. They can later e-mail or post their notes on the Internet.

Collins Library's renovations retained features like its original stained glass. The library's new technology and ambience have made it a draw for Baker University students who want to study or just hang out.

Each of the library’s three floors contains an audio-visual room that allows students to watch DVDs and videotapes and listen to CDs and vinyl records.

High-tech devices even pour out beyond the doors of the library — a sidewalk and ramp outside are equipped with a system to melt snow as it falls.

Postlethwaite said the technology is a far cry from the old library.

“If you had seen the old library, you’d know why we needed this one,” she said.

Big donations

Those needs made finding donors for the project easier, said Kay Bradt, library service director. Donors also liked the idea the library would be open to the public, she said.

Major contributors were the George and Jenny Collins Foundation and the Mabee Foundation, both of Tulsa, Okla. Microtech Computers of Lawrence donated the new computers.

Postlethwaite said the library was designed with an atmosphere conducive to group work and team learning.

The restored, stained glass Windows of Centenary cover windows on the second and third floors of the library. Late in the day, sun pours through the windows, casting their vibrant colors on the library walls and floor.

Baldwin resident and Baker graduate Eric Cool checks out a newspaper Web site on the new flat-screen Internet access at Collins Library.

New furniture provides a futuristic feel. The furniture can be configured in a variety of ways. Postlethwaite arranged the computer stations in a curved line, rather than straight rows, to allow multiple students to work together at one computer.

“The zig-zag pattern allows for collaborative learning,” Postlethwaite said. “A lot of classroom and work environments now are team-project based.”

The commons, located on the first floor, is the library’s most popular area, Postlethwaite said. It contains the main computer lab area and a lounge where students can study.

Collins Library is open to the public seven days a week, but students with IDs can access to the commons area 24 hours a day.

Aaron Meggison, a junior from Tecumseh, said he appreciated the faster computers at the library. He also liked the extra space — the library was expanded from 38,145 square feet to 52,835 square feet — which gives him more room to spread out and study.

“They have several small round tables for big groups to get at and work,” Meggison said. “I’ve worked there several times with physics groups or biology labs.”

— Kelly McNearney is a Kansas University journalism student.

— Staff writer Terry Rombeck contributed to this report.