Library of the UDA applies a futuristic renovation

Of those changes of image that provoke surprise and are assimilated little by little the Hernán Malo library, of the University of Azuay, UDA, has had its 50 years of creation.

A renovation project that started in September of 2018, will finally be presented to the public and, officially, next Thursday 25 in April.

The amount of light given off by the new building, of 750 square meters, is the first thing that the visitor encounters. But far beyond the architectural intention, this is due to the implementation of photovoltaic or solar panels that produce electricity from sunlight, which makes the first impression is that of a self-sustaining building.

However, this new building will have a direct connection with the old library of 900 square meters, through a bridge that will form "a library to the future" as it has been called by the rector of the UDA, Francisco Salgado.

Classification
The attachment of students to new technologies and the option of being self-taught has led to the updating of an important database of digital books, according to Paola Merchán, coordinator of the Hernán Malo library.

Although the care and promotion of the valuable collection of 60.000 physical books that are in classification status has not been ruled out.

Merchán explains that 13.000 has classified books, since it is a complex process that is carried out through the Dewey System, where the books are grouped by subject and according to the area of ​​knowledge. For example, if the works are related to the Law, they will have subclassifications in criminal law, constitutional law, and in that order.

Environment
Both the first and second floors of the Hernán Malo library, whose name is dedicated to one of the pioneers of the creation of the University of Azuay, which was initially annexed to the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, PUCE, have a wooden infrastructure and glass in almost all spaces.

Here you can see individual work stations for those who require a greater concentration or a private place to use their computer and read.

Group stations are also available in closed rooms that have a digital screen, designed to project work or videoconferences.

This includes traditional jobs that count between the spaces of the old and new buildings, a total of 350 research and study stations.

The busts of cement and wood, notable characters such as Benjamín Carrión, Isidro Ayora, Carlos Cueva Tamariz, among others, recreate a museum environment; which is strengthened by the presence of relics on paper as a mini version of Volume III of 'Don Quixote de la Mancha' or 'Literary Jewel' of Ambato Juan Montalvo.

On the outside and for those who prefer to get away from confinement and read in freedom, small gardens and benches have been created next to a water mirror.

Inclusion
An inclusive concept is the one that tries to implement the academic space, with the construction of an elevator and ramps. The books can also be used with reading devices that convert the text into audio for people with visual and motor disabilities.

Security
The construction plan of the library has also been concerned with the safety of students and books, with the implementation of a facial recognition system.

Two million dollars were invested in the total renovation of the Hernán Malo González library, a pioneer in the contribution and development of a sustainable energy. 

GENERAL INFORMATION
-Connection. The old space of the Hernán Malo library will have a connection with the new building, through a "bridge to the future". 
-Books. The UDA library has a collection of 60.000 books. So far, 13.000 has been cataloged in the system. 
-Seasons. There are 350 research and study stations, individual and group, which are counted in the academic center of the university.

THE AMOUNT
60
thousand books are registered in the collection of the Hernán Malo library of the UDA.