This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Emerson Library. While Webster University had a library long before the Emerson building opened, for many years Webster’s library shared space with the Eden Seminary Library on Eden’s campus. Over time, Webster University Library needed room to grow— to offer more spaces for students to work collaboratively and study individually, to expand our collections, and to provide better computing facilities. The five-story, 71,500 square foot Emerson Library, located at the heart of Webster’s campus, has been critical to the success of Webster’s students since opening on July 1, 2003. With seating for over 700 and more than 90 computers in a bright, inviting environment, the library provides many ways for students to engage in research and collaborative work.
The Emerson building offers features that support students and faculty and contribute to a vibrant campus life:
24-hour café and computing center offers coffee service during the day and access to computing resources and study spaces 24/7.
Group study rooms provide spaces for students and faculty to study, meet, and work collaboratively.
Assistive technology area offers access to screen readers, dictation software, magnifiers, and other assistive technology.
Listening/Viewing carrels and rooms allow students to make full use of the library’s video and music collections.
Video gaming room delivers access to a variety of gaming technology.
Electronic classroom is used for library instruction and other presentations.
Conference room supports events, meetings, and student group activities.
Since opening in 2003, the library has had more than 5 million visitors and is a busy hub at the center of campus. We are grateful for the support of many donors who made the new building possible, and proud of our staff who serve our students and faculty so effectively, whether they are in this building or elsewhere in Webster’s network.
Cheers to 20 years! Come visit us in person or online at library.webster.edu.