If you haven't visited the Architecture Library and have plans to do some remodeling in your home, then you might consider browsing through its collection sometime soon. The Library Specialist who oversees the day-to-day running of the library, Ann Warrington, says that it is a place for everyone to visit, not only Architecture students and professors. There is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff to help you find ideas in the many books and other resources for fixing up and upgrading your own home.

Located in Carpenter Hall, the Library was established in the late 1960s as a departmental library, and became an official branch of the WSU Libraries in 1988. The Library isn't hard to find as it is on the entry level floor right opposite the Campus Cart where the smell of coffee and other goodies provides tempting aromas most of the day. Carpenter Hall itself is adjacent to Daggy Hall, or more specifically at the intersection of Spokane and College streets.

With over 25,000 volumes and 65 current journal titles in its collection, the Library's main focus is on the history, theory and practice of architecture. It supports the five-year Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Construction Management degrees, and a one-year Master of Architecture degree. During the freshman and sophomore years, a class of architecture students is typically comprised of 100 students, reducing to only 45 for the junior through senior years. But architecture is not the only focus, as you can also find information on subjects such as Landscape Design, Historic Preservation and Interior Design, among others. There is also a unique collection of videos on architecture, special architects, buildings and cities.

Ann is aided by one permanent staff person, Gabriele Sabura, and eight students from different disciplines, most of whom are long-term. Together they provide service to an array of visitors. On a given day you can meet people searching for information on historic preservation, lawyers looking for building standards, and home builders needing ideas for projects ranging from straw bale houses to alternative to traditional styles. They also provide resources for students from Theater Arts who need thematic detail for stage drops and designs. "Most people come in feeling inquisitive, and leave grateful," Ann admits proudly.

Ann enjoys her work here because she "gets to do some of everything, and is able to give intensive attention" to her visitors. She has been at the library for around 20 years and has yet to have two identical days. The collection and the variety of visitors make it both interesting and stimulating. She lists among the advantages of working there that "I can get to know the patrons as the library gets a lot of repeat patrons;" the only disadvantage she could offer was the long walk up the hill to Holland Library.

One of her most memorable moments was when a patron rushed in needing facts fast, specifically the height and weight of an average 5-year old. "Architects have to plan everything to size and scale, allowing enough room for access by all", Ann explains. At the time she had her own 5-year old, so answered readily "about 50 lbs. and roughly the same in inches in height." They then consulted a reference book just for this purpose -- Ann was dead right! The official weight is 50 lbs. and height is 45 in. Not bad -- a walking reference book!

ras 10/13/99