Over the past 200 years, The University of Georgia Libraries has enjoyed great success in acquiring and preserving documents, books, political papers, audio and video recordings and other original materials. This body of knowledge, currently exceeds 3.9 million volumes and 6 million microform items, provides insight into the origins and development of this state, region and nation. 

As a result, the Libraries' special collections areas - the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, the Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection and the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies - are overflowing with rare and irreplaceable treasures.  Researchers, scholars and others who are involved in primary research come from around the globe to delve into these historic resources.  Plans are underway to relocate these rare items into a new home. This remarkable building will provide sufficient space for the rapid growth of the collections, a state-of-the-art preservation environment, and for continually expanding programming in UGA's dynamic university setting.

Building Overview

The building site for this upcoming 4-level building is a triangular enclave bounded by Hull Street, Florida Avenue, and Waddell Street. The architects of record are Collins, Cooper and Carusi of Atlanta.

• The building will consist of approximately 150,000 square feet and will feature a large, central shared atrium that will be used for special exhibits and public receptions.  The three individual special collection libraries will each face this lobby area.  Separate interior entrances will further lend a unique identity to each library.
• A shared auditorium with seating for 250 will be centrally located and will be the site of lectures and presentations related to the holdings in the building.  The auditorium will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology specially tailored to the needs of the three collections.
• Storage adequate for a minimum of 50 years' growth will be provided.
• To support instruction, classroom space for lectures, reading rooms and reference areas will be incorporated.
• Also included in the plan is space for the professional support staffs of the collections and for preservation laboratories that will be directed by specialists in each field.

Click to see the Special Collections Library Building's:

site location

renderings gallery

walter j. brown media archives
& peabody awards

walter j. brown media archives
& peabody awards naming opportunities

hargrett rare book
& manuscript library

hargrett rare book
& manuscript library naming opportunities

richard b. russell library for
political research and studies

richard b. russell library for
political research and studies naming opportunities

shared space naming opportunities