Pius XII Memorial Library is finally on track to becoming the centerpiece of Saint Louis University, the highlight of campus tours and an inviting study space for students. Student leaders have spoken and the administration is prepared to take action: Pius is now poised for a two-part renovation.

Student Government Association President Courtney Anvender presented a proposal for Pius renovations at a Sept. 24 meeting of the student development committee of the Board of Trustees and also at a Sept. 30 meeting of the President’s Coordinating Council, comprised of the University president and other top administrators.

Anvender said that the mood in both meetings was very positive and supportive, and that members in both meetings understood that there was substantial student support behind the initiative. “[They] really gave us the floor to speak and we are so appreciative of it,” Anvender said.

College of Arts & Sciences Senator Patrick Grillot, who also attended the PCC meeting, expressed gratitude for the warm reception. “It is encouraging to see PCC reciprocate the level of excitement students have shown,” he said.

SGA’s proposal for change was part of a massive research effort to compare Pius library to the libraries of other top institutions.

Part of the proposal included student surveys on the library, the results of which revealed that 56 percent of students were “very or moderately dissatisfied” with the lack of available outlets; 47 percent were “very or moderately” dissatisfied with the group study space available; 39 percent of respondents expressed that they were “very or moderately” displeased with the availability of study space.

“We were very specific in our proposal with an emphasis on creating state-of-the-art study space,” Anvender said.

Both the SGA proposal and an article in the Sept. 23 issue of The University News highlighted the major differences between Pius and the libraries of Marquette University, Loyola University Chicago and Washington University  St. Louis. Key points included the lack of renovations done on Pius library, a deficit in available technology and general dissatisfaction with available study space. According to Kent Porterfield, vice president of Student Development, “the students did a great job researching and presenting. They deserve a lot of credit.”

Porterfield noted that PCC is in support of initiating a two-phase renovation project for the library. The first phase would focus on internal improvements to the existing building, and the second phase would be exploring the idea of a new addition, similar to renovations done at Marquette and Loyola Chicago, that would extend into the circle drive on Lindell Blvd. “[We] are committed to trying to improve the space,” Porterfield said.

While the first phase of the renovation process may begin as early as this year, the second phase will take careful planning and consideration. “[Fr. Lawrence Biondi, S.J.] said, ‘show us what you really like, what you would consider a state-of-the-art library,’” Anvender said.

Currently, the SGA civic affairs committee is expanding current research to look at premiere libraries at universities across the country. The committee is focusing on the idea of a library as a study space, focused on student needs. As SGA Academic Vice President Katie Becherer said, “the library should be the academic hub of the university and by completing the proposed renovations; SLU will continue to distinguish itself as a premier academic institution.”

As plans are formulated for the library renovations, Anvender is confident that students will remain a vital voice in the plans for a modern library that can compete with libraries at other top universities. “I really do anticipate students being very involved. We set the ball in motion and we want to see it through to the end.”