Library History & the Auriculum

Construction of the library began in June 1970 and completed in 1971.
Doors opened for service in January 1972. ("AC students," 1972)
Approximate building expenses ranged between $2-2.5 million. ("AC students," 1972)
The library is 75,500 square feet and able to house 300,000 volumes. ("Kresege donates," 1970)
Initial student surveys, compiled by Ashland College Student Senate, were not overwhelmingly in support of proposed security systems. ("Take theft," 1972)
The building is hexagonal.
Window placement controls interior lighting and building temperatures. ("Kresege donates," 1970)
In 1972, there were 165,000 volumes in the library collection. ("AC students," 1972)
Currently, the library collection includes over 280,000 volumes.
The Library Instruction Classroom was completed in September 2001.

It is "Auriculum I," commissioned, designed, and constructed by John Clague. ("John Clague," 1977)
It is "a composite of auriculum and pendulum for its sound and motion features." ("John Clague," 1977)
It was constructed with 1600 pounds of stainless steel, is 20 feet tall, and took over two months to polish just four 12 foot legs. ("John Clague," 1977)
It consists of two independent pendulums and is often activated by wind. ("John Clague," 1977)
It was funded by a government grants for fine arts. ("Ashland College," 1973)
It was erected in March 1973. ("Ashland College," 1973)
A plaque is located on the library building, directly behind the sculpture.

AC students ad lib on lately opened library. (1972, January 20). Ashland College Collegian, 45(15), pp. 1, 7.
Ashland College Collegian (1973, March 29). 46(22), p. 3.
Ashland College Collegian (1973, May 10). 46(24), p. 4.
John Clague: super sculptor. (1977, December 4). Sunday Plain Dealer, pp. 5-11.
Kresege donates $25,000. (1970, April 30). Ashland College Collegian, 42(23), p. 9.
Library latest addition. (1970, September 17). Ashland College Collegian, 44(23), p. 4.
Slate library changes. (1973, May 18). Ashland College Collegian, 46(25), p. 1.
Take theft alarm tallies. (1971, September 2). Ashland College Collegian, 50(1), pp. 1, 2.

Special thanks to David Roepke (Ashland University Archives) and Sue Ellen Ronk and Judi Humphrey (Ashland University Library).

Accessibility Links