CPCC History

CPCC Libraries Through the Years

2nd Floor Atrium in the 1970's Dedicated in the spring of 1970[i], the Hagemeyer Learning Resources Center was designed primarily as a $2 million, 106,000 sq. ft. library and audio-visual facility.[ii] An additional floor was added between the second and third floors within four years, by sliding in beams through the windows. [iii]
With bond money, the Library started massive renovations in Fall 1991. During that time, all areas of the library were moved, including the books, at least twice to accommodate construction and restructure the library. Media and periodicals settled on the fourth floor. [iv] For their efforts, the library staff received a 1994 Innovation of the Year award from the League of Innovation for moving “the library into the twenty-first century with no disruption of service to the students, faculty, or staff.”[v] During this time, all books were barcoded in anticipation of the introduction of the digital card catalog. During the Renovations of the 1990's

CAL Button

 In 1992 the library’s digital catalog was introduced. The library sponsored a naming contest and Betty Kilday won with the name CAL, which stood for CPCC Automated Library. The catalog allowed all campuses to search the library’s holdings, not just those at Central where the card catalog resided. The new system required barcodes on student IDs to allow them to check out books.[vi] On July 29, 1993, the library hosted a party to empty the old card catalog.[vii]
Today, the library embraces the concept of the Learning Commons: a student-centered space which facilitates, supports, and inspires learning. This new space will enable the student to manage his or her learning by providing services and technology that will enhance the academic setting of CPCC.
[i] Timblin, Carol L. Central Piedmont Community College: The First Thirty Years. Charlotte:CPCC Foundation, Inc., 1995. pg. 84.

[ii] “Mixed Materials Make High Marks.” Form & Function 4 (1970): cover, 3-5. Available in CPCC Archives.

[iii] Timblin, pg. 84.

[iv] “CPCC Automated Library: Award Application for the John Cotton Dana Library Public Relations Awards.” 1993. Available in CPCC Archives.

[v] “1994 Innovation of the Year.” Innovator. Vol.22.1. League for Innovation, September.1994. Available in CPCC Archives.

[vi] “CPCC Automated Library: Award Application.”

[vii] CPCC Library, “Colossal CPCC Card Catalog Dumping Party.” 29 July1993. Available in CPCC Archives.