The UC Merced Library's Special Collections & Archives expansion and renovation project is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Sierra Nevada-Central Valley Archives. The project strengthens the Library's ability to preserve, steward, and provide access to the unique historical and cultural records of the region with secure, climate-controlled archival and special collections storage and an updated instruction & programming space in the Kolligian Library building. This capital project was made possible with a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) award of $750,000, matching funds provided by Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz from philanthropic gifts, as well as Library funds.
The project has delivered
- a dedicated HVAC system, designed to provide precise environmental controls.
- expanded storage, designed for long-term preservation of unique materials (4th floor).
- a renovated space for programming, instruction, and hands-on learning with archival collections (2nd floor).
As the final details of this project are wrapped up, we are looking forward to using these spaces to preserve and make accessible the documentary heritage of the Sierra Nevada and Central Valley and to support innovative teaching, learning, and research opportunities at UC Merced.
The Library extends its sincere gratitude to the many campus and community supporters who have championed this effort and the vision of the Sierra Nevada-Central Valley Archives, including the Center for the Humanities. We would also like to thank our colleagues in Facilities Management & Operations who co-managed the expansion and renovation process with us, along with Darden Architects, Burke Diversified, Systems & Space, Inc. and Tangram Interiors for their expertise.
For an overview of the construction process, we invite you to view the photos and footage below.
Contributors
Thank you to the many individuals who contributed. We realize there have been many others behind the scenes who have also been instrumental in the launch and completion of this project.
Office of Research and Economic Development
- Fernando Alvarez
- Melissa Boehm
- Sarah Naumes
- Bryan O’Neill
- Emily Pasquarelli
- Eric Reynoso
- Joyce Yowell
Physical Operations, Planning and Development
- Sara Anastos
- Daniel Basaldua
- James Brugger
- Allison Costa
- Frank Fimbrez
- Tyler Grise
- Nathan Ibarra
- Min Jiang
- Kira Johnson
- Jonathan Lampman
- Christine Lim
- Tim Olson
Center for Humanities
- Ignacio Lopez-Calvo, Co-Principal Investigator
- Christina Lux
Library
- Haipeng Li, Principal Investigator
- Emily Lin, Co-Principal Investigator
- Paulina Allende
- Ross Anastos
- Donald Barclay
- Tom Bustos
- Mekenna Collins
- Sara Davidson Squibb
- Crystal Fontes
- Stephanie Peterson
- Eric Scott
- Jerrold Shiroma
Commercial Partners
Burke Diversified
- Nestor Bulosan
- Jason Burke
Darden Architects
- Luis Medrano
- Bob Petithomme
- Shari Sakamoto
- Ben Schoeneberger
Lawrence Engineering
Thoma Electric
Systems & Space, Inc.
- Jordan Jaime
- Zach Moya
- John Snyder
Tangram Interiors
- Jennifer Moons
- Arlene Trevathan
Faculty
- Robin DeLugan
- Maria De Prano
- Thomas Harmon
- Kathleen Hull
- David Rouff
- Joshua Viers
Campus Administration
- Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz
- Betsy Dumont, EVC & Provost
- Gregg Camfield, retired EVC & Provost
External Relations
- Brooke Gadasi
- Patrick Hunt
National Endowment for the Humanities
- John Cox
- Pamela Thompson
Completed Archives Expansion (KL 483)
Renovated Archival Instruction & Programming Space (KL 232)
