In the old room, I always felt like I was giving the same lecture twice. Every time a student asked or answered a question, I would have to repeat it to the people on the other side of the room, but not in here. Nivala, who served as chairman of the Capital Planning Committee, had a front-row seat for the entire project. The committee, composed of faculty, administrators, and students, worked with the architects to ensure that the design of the new construction would meet the needs of the Law School well into the next century. Construction was completed in time for late August orientation, and some finishing work was completed during early September.
Work is under way to expand the library into office space recently vacated by the faculty.
Professor Eileen Cooper, director of the Legal Information Center, said the third floor of the library will be renovated over the winter break with the installation of new carpeting and improved lighting. The shelves will also be moved farther apart to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other anticipated improvements include a new computer training lab and a room for special collections, which will include archival materials covering the early years of the school and information on the now-defunct Brandywine Junior College, former owner of the Delaware Campus. Faculty moved into new offices in The Law Building over the summer. Professor Lawrence Hamermesh said the move forced him to organize his office for the first time in years because he had no desire to unpack it all later.