University of Virginia Library

From Maze to Modern Library

At the University of Virginia, Alderman Library had grown over decades, but not always in ways that made sense. Additions and expansions turned it into a maze of disconnected spaces, where even finding a book could mean bouncing between sections. 

The renovation into Shannon Library was a chance to rethink everything: how the collection was organized, how people moved through the space, and how it could better support modern research and study. 

With a mix of high-density and static shelving, UVA created a layout that's easier to navigate and built to handle a growing collection. The redesign also brought hundreds of thousands of volumes back on-site, making materials more accessible while freeing up space for future growth. 

Download the case study and watch the video to see how UVA turned a complex, outdated library into a space designed to be used.