On the surface, the newly renovated Bing Wing of Green Library is a work of sublime historic restoration that brings library users back to a time when scholarly pursuits took place in more formal, even rarefied, surroundings. But like its books, the Bing Wing shouldn't be judged by its cover. Newly installed flat-panel computer screens offer a clue to what lies beneath the building's surface.
Internet connections rise discreetly from the library's floors at desks and even at armchairs.
The library is designed not only with the latest in technical innovations, but as much as possible to accommodate the future. For example, running behind its walls are fiberoptic cables with extra room for the next generation of technology. Indeed, given the hyperspeed of technological evolution in only the last five years, the Bing Wing is likely to see further alterations in its future. Perhaps the biggest change can't be seen at all, on or beneath the surface. The Bing Wing, named for donors Peter S. and Helen L. Bing, will be officially dedicated Tuesday, less than a week short of the 10-year anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake that damaged it extensively.