Structural Improvement of the Historical Studies and Social Science Library at the Institute for Advanced Study

FAIN: CHA-268873-20

Institute For Advanced Study - Louis Bamberger And Mrs. Felix Fuld Fdn (Princeton, NJ 08540-4952)
Marcia Tucker (Project Director: May 2019 to July 2023)

Structural improvements and repairs to the Historical Studies and Social Science Library of the Institute for Advanced Study, serving scholars and students in the humanities and other fields of research.

The Institute for Advanced Study seeks support for structural improvements to the 55-year-old Historical Studies and Social Science Library structure that is in essence the heart of humanities studies at the IAS. In addition to housing important humanities holdings, the library provides an ideal environment for humanities scholarship. This project will enable the IAS to implement permanent solutions to four major problems—roof, paver, and window leaks, as well as excessive ultraviolet light—that increasingly threaten the integrity of the structure and pose imminent risk to collections stewardship, humanities scholarship, and overall institutional health. It is in large part through the library that the IAS fulfills its mission to support promising scholars in pursuing their work in the humanities. Securing the future of this library is critical to building and sustaining the Institute’s capacity to continue to fulfill this mission going forward into its second century.

Associated Products

Final design plans for the renovation of the Institute’s Historical Studies – Social Science Library (Report)
Title: Final design plans for the renovation of the Institute’s Historical Studies – Social Science Library
Author: N/A
Abstract: The original goals of the proposal were to implement permanent solutions to four major problems—roof, paver, and window leaks, as well as excessive ultraviolet light—that continue to threaten the integrity of the library structure and pose an imminent risk to collections stewardship, humanities scholarship, and overall institutional health. The trustees of IAS selected the firm Kimmel Borgette to scope this important project. After an assessment of the alternatives and deep consideration of the library’s long-term needs, we have decided to move forward by bridging the existing building with a steel truss system. A usable third floor will be added to the building without removing the existing original vaulted roof, thereby preserving the uniqueness of the original design. Please see the attached documents for renderings (“Library Design”). Within the attached designs, you’ll see an abundance of office spaces to meet existing need and create capacity for new personnel to support interdisciplinary projects, open spaces for collaboration, seminar rooms, as well as multi-purpose spaces. In keeping with the paramount importance of preserving the building’s revered architectural design, the proposed improvements are planned for minimal visibility. In addition, the planned renovations will make vital updates to the library to achieve much higher levels of energy efficiency; to bring the facility up to code; and to improve maintenance and accessibility. The project conforms closely to the institution’s long-range strategic plan, in which a central focus is renewal and restoration of major campus infrastructure. The budget for this plan is now estimated at $11 - $15 million, dependent upon the prices of raw materials, inflation, labor costs and finishes. We’ve identified additional donors who have committed to fund this proposal, building on those funds already certified and reported as part of our match.
Date: 04/06/2023
Primary URL Description: N/A
Secondary URL Description: N/A
Access Model: N/A
ISBN: N/A

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