Foley Center Library

The Foley Center Library at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, opened 29 years ago in 1992 and was named for alumnus Ralph E. Foley (1900–1985), a Superior Court judge for 34 years,[3] and his wife, Helen Higgins Foley (1901–1990).[1][2][4] They were the parents of Tom Foley (1929–2013), who represented the state's fifth district in Congress for thirty years (1965–1995), the last six as Speaker of the House.[5]

Foley Center Library
Exterior from south in 2008
CountryUnited States
EstablishedSeptember 2, 1992 (1992-09-02)[1][2]
LocationGonzaga University
Spokane, Washington
Coordinates47°40′00″N 117°24′03″W
Collection
Size300,000 books
WebsiteFoley Center Library
Map
Spokane
Location in the United States
Spokane
Location in Washington

The building is 137,000 square feet (12,700 m2) and is made of 315,000 bricks.[6] It contains a comprehensive collection (300,000 books) of literary volumes and many online databases that support student research. Students check out books using their GU identification cards and have wireless internet access.

‘ILLiad’ is the name of Foley Center Library's Interlibrary Loan program. Students can access the system in order to retrieve articles and books that are unavailable at Gonzaga.[7]

To promote a student friendly study environment, Foley Center Library has different Zones where students can work. Patrons are presented with three distinct signs that signify the different types of study zones within the library. A red octagon represents quiet zones which mean silence, yellow triangles for whispering and green circles signaling talking zones.[8][9]

It succeeded the nearby Crosby library, which opened 35 years earlier in 1957.[10][11] Both were constructed on the site of Gonzaga Stadium (1922–1949); the Foley Lawn is the northern portion of the stadium's football field.

Special Collections

The Special Collections Department works to preserve the heritage of Gonzaga University, the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus and the surrounding region, and to make its historical resources readily available for inspection, evaluation, and research.

The Department supports the mission and goals of Gonzaga University, in particular by promoting students' use and appreciation of rare books and primary sources like historical photographs and manuscripts collections.[12]

Two exhibits of interest were shown in 2010, Hoop it Up: Gonzaga's Basketball Heritage[13] in the spring of 2010 highlighting the history of Basketball at Gonzaga and Gerard Manley Hopkins: A Life Recollected,[14] focusing on the work of Jesuit priest and Victorian poet Hopkins. The later display was created in conjunction with an international conference on Hopkins writings hosted July 8–11, 2010.[15]

References
  1. Sowa, Tom (August 31, 1992). "GU unveils high-tech library". Spokesman-Review. p. A5.
  2. Camden, Jim (September 3, 1992). "Gonzaga dedicates library". Spokesman-Review. p. B2.
  3. "Retired Judge Ralph Foley dead at 84". Spokesman-Review. (obituary). April 17, 1985. p. A10.
  4. "House speaker's mother dies at 88". Spokane Chronicle. January 5, 1990. p. A1.
  5. "Foley Center Information for Students" (PDF). Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  6. "Facts About Foley Center Library" (PDF). Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  7. "Library Services for Distant and Online Students" (PDF). Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  8. "Foley Center Information for Students" (PDF). Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  9. "Study Zones". Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-13.
  10. "Bing dedicates new Crosby Library". Spokane Daily Chronicle. November 4, 1957. p. 5.
  11. "Bing gives Gonzaga University library". Lewiston Morning Tribune. Idaho. Associated Press. November 4, 1957. p. 9.
  12. "Special Collections General Information". Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-12.
  13. "Hoop It Up: Gonzaga's Basketball Heritage' Exhibition Opens in Foley Center". Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-12.
  14. "Exhibition on Famed Poet, Priest Hopkins on Display through Sept. 30". Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-12.
  15. "Hopkins Conference" (PDF). Gonzaga University. Retrieved 2010-09-12.
Front of Foley Center Library from northwest
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