Library Service Center
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ArchitectCarlos Jimenez Studio
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Project CompletionFebruary 2021
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Project Budget$3,700,000
The Rice Library Service Center is a high-density book storage facility that serves as an off-site archival hub for Rice University’s Fondren Library. Designed to store between 1.75 and 2 million volumes, the 28,750 SF facility is divided into two distinct sections:
- A two-story office and processing area to manage and organize incoming materials.
- A three-story, climate-controlled book storage vault, featuring high-density modular shelving for efficient archiving.
The book storage vault is meticulously climate-controlled to preserve delicate and less frequently accessed materials. Conditions are maintained at a consistent 50°F temperature with 30% humidity, which helps protect paper-based materials, microfilm, videotapes, and slides from deterioration over time.
The facility's exterior is constructed using a custom tilt-up concrete wall system, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal. The cascading wall profile minimizes the imposing nature of the windowless structure, while the bright, earthy green finish blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, giving the building a modern, geometric topiary-like appearance.
The new building provides Rice University with an advanced archival solution that supports academic research and long-term material preservation.
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