UAA/APU Consortium Library

The UAA/APU Consortium Library, built in 1973, and enlarged and renovated 2002–2004, serves both UAA and nearby Alaska Pacific University.

The UAA/APU Consortium Library (Consortium Library) is a joint library serving the University of Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Pacific University, established in 1973 and refurbished in 2004.[1] According to self-reported statistics from 2016, the library has approximately 728,000 volumes on site and averages 12,000 visitors per week during the academic year.[2] The library has the furthest north permanent Foucault pendulum in North America.[3]

The library houses special collections, such as the Alaska Resources Library and Information Services (commonly known as ARLIS[4]) and a large archive dedicated to preserving Alaskan history and the history of the Pacific Northwest.[5] In 2020, the Archives and Special Collections won national recognition when awarded the John Sessions Memorial Award from the American Library Association for its creation of consolidated access to documents relating to labor.[6] The archives also retain materials related to celebrations of historical events in Alaska, such as the centennial celebration of the naming of Mt. McKinley (now known as Denali).[7]

The architect of the original building was CCC/HOK Architects and Planners of Anchorage.[8]

  1. ^ Brannon, Page. "How many years has the library been open?". Consortium Library. UAA/APU Consortium Library. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  2. ^ "About the Library - Statistics". Consortium Library. UAA/APU Consortium Library. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  3. ^ "UAA Consortium Library - Foucault Pendulums". Waymarking.com. Waymarking. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  4. ^ Caldwell, Suzanna (28 September 2016). "Need a wolf fur? A puffin pelt? All you need is a library card and a visit to the ARLIS library". ADN. Anchorage Daily News. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  5. ^ "About Us - Archives and Special Collections". Archives and Special Collections. UAA/APU Consortium Library. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  6. ^ Labor Collections of the Archives and Special Collections of the UAA/APU Consortium Library wins John Sessions Memorial Award. American Library Association, RUSA Update.April 6, 2020.
  7. ^ Besl, Joseph (17 September 2017). "Denali National Park: Three stories, 100 years". The Cordova Times. Retrieved 24 April 2018.
  8. ^ Alison K. Hoagland, Buildings of Alaska (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993)