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Library History

Hekman Library History

library commencement banner

The academic banner above depicts the library as a gatherer, receptacle, and distributor of information, ideas, and learning as represented by the abstract book shape, while the white, flowing shaft itself symbolizes the light and energy of learning in the Holy Spirit of God. The flame is the traditional symbol of learning and discovery through research.

Hekman Library
Newsweak
Heritage Hall (small)
Hekman Library 2
Knollcrest Festival
Conrad Bult, 1981
1994 Dedication
Hekman Library (Reference Reading Room, Franklin campus)
Hekman Library 3
Hekman Library (NE corner, Knollcrest Campus, ca 1975)
Reference Librarians (small)
Hekman Library (SW corner, Franklin campus)
Meeter Center (small)
Hekman 2
1970 Dedication
Hekman Library (Franklin Campus)
Reference Librarian
Hekman Library: Study

 

History of the Hekman Library

From the 3,500 volume "library room" in 1915 to 1.7 million volumes in 2005 housed across four floors and the Internet, the Hekman Library has certainly seen many changes over the years. Many of the full text articles linked below, printed in various publications, provide readers with a glimpse of the issues that the Library faced, while other articles offer a reflection on the past, to the place that the Hekman Library occupied in the communities of Calvin and of Grand Rapids.

2010
  • The library's website is redesigned
  • Evergreen, an integrated computer system designed to manage the operations within the library, replaces SIRSI
2008
  • Hekman librarians, Kathy DeMey, Sarah Kolk, Diane Vander Pol, host the first "Building a Bridge" conference intended to increase communication between high school librarians and college librarians.
  • The library staff zones the library in an attempt to control noise. The large 4th floor study area is built.
2007
 2005
  • The library's website is redesigned using a content management system (CMS) 
  • Librarians join forces with English professors to teach research fluency in English 101
  • First Annual Disc Golf Tournament is held in the Hekman Library
2004
2003
2002
2001
1999
1998
1997
1996
1994
1993
1991
1982
1981
1979
1970
1968
1965
1962
1961
1960
1959
1955
  • Speaking volumes
    Youngsma, Sydney T., Banner. 90. February 4, 1955. pp.139,143
1947
1928