SUNSHINECOAST

UNIVERSITYCOLLEGE

UNIVERSITY

Official Opening

of the

Sunshine Coast University College

University Library

by

The Right Honourable Sir Zelman Cowen,AK, GCMG, GCVO, QC, DCL

10:30am, Tuesday 4 November 1997

Order of Proceedings

The Opening Ceremonywill commence with the arrival of

The Right Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen,AK, GCMG, GCVO, QC, DCL

accompanied by members of the official party.

Welcome by Professor Paul Thomas, Vice-Chancellor (Chair)

Address by Mr Ian Kennedy, AO, Acting Chancellor

Presentation by Mrs Nora Rose toMs Heather Gordon, University Librarian

Address by Ms Heather Gordon, University Librarian

Official Opening Address by the Right Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen

Official Plaque Unveiling by the Right Hon. Sir Zelman Cowen

Refreshments

Light Lunch

During refreshments and the light lunch guests will be entertained bymembers of the Sunshine Ensemble and Sunshine Coast Orchestra

to whom we extend a special thank you.

Message fromThe Right Honourable Sir Zelman Cowen,

AK, GCMG, GVCO, QC, DCL

It is a privilege to be invited to participate inthis ceremony at which the Library of the UniversityCollege is formally opened. The library or librariesof a University lie at the heart of such institutions,and this one is no exception. Changes incommunications technology profoundly affect theway in which we learn and the resources availablefor learning. The library, however, remains as acentral resource for learning and scholarship.

I am pleased that this library has already wonrecognition as a distinguished contribution to the architecture of the growinguniversity.

As one who has been a long-time, though part-time, resident of the SunshineCoast, I have a special interest in the welfare of the University College, and I viewits growth with much pleasure.

The Right Honourable Sir Zelman Cowen

AK, GCMG, GCVO, QC, DCL

Message from theActing Chancellor, Mr Ian Kennedy, AO

The master plan for this new and developinguniversity has taken its inspiration from ThomasJefferson’s University of Virginia, in the U.S.,which was proclaimed in 1976 as the mostsignificant architectural achievement of that nation’sfirst 200 years.

There have been some local adaptations to suitthe times, the climate and the site. The axial ‘lawn’and covered colonnades on either side have been

retained from Jefferson’s original ‘Academical Village,’ but the ends of the axiswere to remain open, and a feature building was to be positioned centrally, ratherthan a rotunda closing the axis. The feature building is now the new library, beingdeclared open by Sir Zelman Cowen.

Jefferson had a profound belief in education generally and in the power ofuniversity education specifically, to protect and advance democratic ideals. Thislibrary, at the heart of the campus, will have a powerful intellectual influence onthose who study here and an equally powerful visual impact even for those whomay only visit.

The library will be an important link with the Sunshine Coast community andthe open-ended axis is a symbolic statement of the openness of the campus to thatregional community.

Mr Ian Kennedy, AO, Acting Chancellor

Establishing a university library at a newinstitution is an exciting challenge. Despitethe many changes that university librariesnow face in the information age, the libraryremains a vital centre for student andacademic intellectual life. Designing today’suniversity library, however, is the equivalentof crystal ball gazing. Architects andlibrarians acquire the role of fortune-tellersas we acknowledge the past and look to thefuture.

Our fascination with technology ischanging the nature of scholarlycommunication. Libraries have been quickto respond to many of the efficiencies thatthe emerging technologies can offer. Today’suniversity library is more than a physicalwarehouse for books, or a computer network,both of which house organised information.Instead, the library reflects the university’svalues of fostering freedom of inquiry andexpression in the pursuit of lifelong learning.It is, and must be, an inviting place fordiscovery and discourse.

As the only building located just offcentre of the campus axis, the library is placedto significantly contribute to the life andcharacter of the university. Architects JohnMainwaring and Associates and LawrenceNield and Partners, have created a visuallyappealing, light-filled, and functional homefor the university’s library and informationtechnology services. Reflecting the spirit ofadventure and excitement of the newuniversity, the library is designed to facilitateaccess to information in all formats - print,electronic, multimedia.

The library features a range of servicesand facilities. Most of the library’s service

Designed for the Future: The Vision and Promise of theSunshine Coast University Library

by Ms Heather Gordon,University Librarian/Director of Information Services

points are conveniently located on the entrylevel including: loans, reference, reserve,casual reading and study areas, a computerlaboratory, and a disabilities support room.The open plan also provides office accom-modation for library and information tech-nology services staff. Leading to the secondfloor, the main staircase provides a wonder-ful view of the campus down to theMooloolah National Park.

Flooded with natural light during the dayand with reflective ceiling light at night, thesecond floor is an inviting place from whichto access the majority of the library’s printcollections. The second floor also offers anexpansive open space with a variety of readerseating including carrels, tables, and groupstudy rooms most of which include powerand data access for clients’ laptop computers.Located on the ground floor level areadministration offices, more open readerseating, group study rooms, a seminar room,and gallery space for lectures, exhibitions, andpublic performances. Large works of art,placed strategically throughout the library,make it a vital and popular place on campusfor study, learning, and teaching.

Judging by the reception of students, staffand the public, the new library is indeed animportant centre on campus and within thecommunity. We can take great pride not onlyin the design of the building, but also withdeveloping the intellectual content of stronglibrary collections and services. As a newand emerging library, our goal is to stimulateand give access to ideas and information thatcontribute to the University’s scholarlycommunication. The building provides theperfect structure to achieve this ambition.

Opening DayPhotographs

Those who designed, contributed to and supported the creation of

the University Library, took a moment to celebrate and reflect.

The University Collegeby Professor Paul Thomas, Vice-Chancellor

The institution was established under itsown Act in July 1994, and opened for 600students, on a new ‘greenfields’ site at SippyDowns in February 1996. Under its Act, it isexpected to operate as a university with itsown governing Council, with the Hon.Justice Tony Fitzgerald, AC as theChancellor, and Mr Ian Kennedy, AO asDeputy Chancellor. The universityconstructs, accredits and awards its owndegrees, appoints its own staff, and isfinancially and functionally independent.

In September 1993 a PlanningCommittee was established by QUT. Itoperated until June 1994 by which time theCommittee had appointed Professor PaulThomas as Planning President, assisted withthe development of the legislation,considered possible names of the institution,selected a site master-planner, and generallyaided the establishment of academicdirections. A period of nearly two years ofconcerted planning was then undertakenfrom an office in Maroochydore, the keyregional centre.

Extensive local, national andinternational consultations preceded theapproval by Council of three initial faculties:Arts, Business and Applied Science whichin 1997 became Science. Niche teaching andresearch areas have been identified to reflectthe needs of the Sunshine Coast, whilststrategic alliances nationally andinternationally are being pursued.

It is planned to have 2000 students withinthree or four years and to grow withintwenty-five years to 15,000 students. Themaster-planning of the site and the steadygrowth of academic programs and staff ap-pointments were to reflect these projections.This would mean the university would be-come one of the region’s largest institutions

and one that was centrally concerned withregional development and community needs.

Within the three faculties there areflexible, modular courses which encourageboth inter-disciplinary study and a range ofpossible specialisations which build on auniversity core course. Student needs andgraduate employability are vital componentsof course design. There are specialisationsin, for example, tourism, small business,marketing, international business andaccounting in Business. In Arts, social andcommunity studies, Australian studies,communication studies, international studiesare amongst the specialisations. Sciencecomprises sport and leisure, environmentalscience, community and public health, andmicrobial ecology.

The campus buildings are distinctive instyle and colour, and designed specificallyfor a sub-tropical climate, with localarchitects having had a significant influence.By the end of 1997, three stages of buildingwill have been completed at an estimatedcost of $30 million. Stage 1 buildingsincluded staff and teaching spaces, lecturetheatres, administrative areas, a cafe, a worksand services building and a nursery.Information technology and audio-visualprovisions have been important inunderscoring flexible study methods andinclude 24 hour access rooms.

The Stage II Library was occupied forthe 1997 academic year. A University Clubwas completed in mid-year, and a Stage IIIScience building will be completed byNovember 1997.

Perhaps its greatest achievements are thelevel of regional consciousness and pridethat the university has helped generate, alongwith enhancing job growth and economicactivity.

Library Facts and Features

♦ services commenced in February 1997, officially opened 4 November 1997

♦ 3, 200 square metres, 3 storey building with 2 elevators -1 internal, 1 external

♦ can accommodate 80,000 volumes most of which are in open stack

♦ open Reserve Room with current collection of 10,000 volumes

♦ separate Reference Collection & Special Collections

♦ 500 reader places including:

122 individual study carrels all with power and data capability7 group study rooms (total of 63 reader places)4 casual seating areas (total of 20 reader places)295 reader places at tables most of which have power and data capability

♦ 28 seat computer laboratory

♦ 28 seat seminar room

♦ gallery space for lectures, public performances

♦ disabilities support room (special equipment for people with visual andmotor skill disabilities)

♦ capacity for 40 library computer workstations giving access to thelibrary’s on-line catalogue, CD-ROMs, and the Internet

♦ photocopiers, laser printers, centre for university computing

♦ open 67 hours per week during semester including evenings and weekends

♦ visits during 1997: 153,961, equivalent to 3,019 visitors per week; visitsduring first semester 1998: 104,354, equivalent to 4,348 visitors per week

Architecture, Furniture and Design Awards

Architects: Lawrence Nield and Partners (Sydney, NSW) in associationwith John Mainwaring and Associates (Noosa, QLD)

Builder: Evans Harch Constructions Pty Ltd

Landscape Architects: John Mongard Landscape Architects

Landscape Donations: Don McNaught, Buderim Garden Society

Interior Design: Victoria Clayton / AHA Design

Joinery: AllKind Joinery & Glass Pty Ltd

Furniture: Sunco Furniture Pty Ltd

Chairs: Ergo Seating, Clicks Office Furniture Warehouse

Shelving: Furnco Sales & Distribution Services

Library Consultant: David Jones, State Library of New South Wales

University Librarian: Heather Gordon

University Project Manager: Mark Bradley

Design Awards

The building has won the following design awards:

♦ Royal Australian Institute of Architects,Sir Zelman Cowen Award for PublicBuildings 1997

♦ Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Queensland Chapter Awards 1997FDG Stanley Award for Outstanding Non-Residential Architecture

♦ Royal Australian Institute of Architects, Queensland Chapter Awards 1997BHP Colorbond Award

♦ Maroochy Excellence in Building and Planning Awards 1997Institutional Building Category

♦ Queensland Master Builders Association, Regional Housing andConstruction Awards 1997Education Facilities Over $5 Million

♦ Australian Institute of Steel Construction1997 AISC Queensland Architectural Steel Design Award

Donations and Gifts

If you wish to celebrate a special occasion, acknowledge an accomplishment, or pro-vide a memorial tribute in a distinctive way, then consider donating to the UniversityLibrary. Your donation will purchase a book or other material for the library. Thelibrary may also include a commemorative bookplate which will be seen by genera-tions of students and staff. Your donation will provide a lasting tribute and make apersonal and important contribution to the future of education, research and scholar-ship at the University.

The University Library acknowledges the generous support of the following organi-sations and individuals who have made either a donation or a gift to the collection.

Donations

$1,000.00 and overUniversity of the Third AgeWomen in the WorkforceZonta

Gifts

IndividualsR. AustinN. CatoJ. ChamberlainK. DrummondP. EdwardsR. Elliot

OrganisationsAustralian Federation of University Women (Sunshine Coast Branch)Maroochy Shire CouncilMcGraw-Hill PublishersUniversity Co-operative BookshopThe Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (Caloundra Area Inc.)Women in the Workforce

$500.00 -$999.00Women in the Workforce

Under $500.00Mooloolah CommunityKindergarten Association Inc.

R. GarsiaL. HanleyDr M. HarkerProfessor A. HedeJ. HodgesR. Hordern-DarlingH. Lindsell

Dr T. MagdalinskiG. Marriott-BurtonL. OaklandJ. O’DwyerB. PhillipsN. M. RoseM. Walker

Information Technology Facts and Features

The University has a system of networked computing resources, distributedthroughout the campus including:

♦ campus network providing 100Mbps fibre optic backbone and 10/100Mbps to the desktop

♦ Novell servers supporting more than 1500 accounts♦ laptop plug-in capabilities from Library reader places♦ network services such as applications, printing, electronic mail, Internet,

library catalogues and databases

A variety of facilities are available to staff and students for use in support of theacademic and administrative functions of the University. These are characterisedby:♦ seven student computer laboratories, with more than 100 workstations sup-

porting:both PC and Macintosh platformsMicrosoft Office applicationsInternet accessnetwork access to course materialslaser printing via swipe cardelectronic mail accounts for each student10Mb of disk space for each student24 hour access to authorised students

♦ computer-aided design laboratories with access to CD-ROM drives, ZIP drives, large colour monitors, scanners, a plotter and colour printer

♦ four fully equipped lecture theatres providing seating capacity ranging from60 to 300

♦ audio-visual equipment loans and technical support for lecture theatres androoms for use by staff, students, and the community

♦ desktop support and training for students and staff including an electronichelp desk supporting more than 200 networked computers

♦ sophisticated PABX and telecommunications infrastructure supporting morethan 230 campus telephones

♦ Internet and remote access services

♦ University Web site at http://www.scuc.edu.au and in development staff andstudent intranets