Last Friday I joined the RLA CE Committee (Reference Librarians Association Continuing Education group) for a tour of Loyola University's new Information Commons and the Women and Leadership Archives collection in Piper Hall.
Loyola's Infomation Commons is a silver certified LEED building and it is an excellent blend of technology, comfort and "Green" architecture. Situated on Loyola's lakefront campus, the building was built on the shores on Lake Michigan and the views are breathtaking. I can't think of many college campuses built in such a stunning location, at the edge of a world class city and directly on the water. The IC is truly a stunning example of sustainable architecture and a model of an academic building.
After touring the IC we got a quick look at Loyola's beautiful Madonna della Strada Chapel, also built on the shores of the lake as well as a glimpse of the reading room at Cudahy Library. We then proceeded to the Women and Leadership Archives in Piper Hall. This beautifully restored 100+ year old mansion is the former home of the all women's Mundelein College and now home to the Archives. Part of Loyola University the archives are an excellent collection focusing on women leaders, women's organizations, Mundelein College, radical nuns and social justice activism. The mansion has been beautifully restored and sitting in the rooms or gardens with views of the lake is wonderful. Well worth a visit if in Chicago! Don't miss the beautiful Tiffany stained glass window.
A special thanks to the RLA committee and Leslie Haas, director of the IC and Beth Myers archive director for the tour.
For more information on the RLA and to view pictures of the IC and archives click here: http://rlace.info/
1 comment:
Thanks for writing about the tours! Going there made me want to go back to college and enroll at Loyola :)
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