Watson Renovations
Watson Steps
The first renovation to Watson Library was the completion of the front steps in 1936. Due to proposed work in various areas surrounding the library, the steps were never actually completed. Things seem to have come to a head over the steps in early December 1935, when the UDK published a series of articles regarding raged condition and the peril of using the font steps. By mid-December the State Architect had announced that both funding and plans for new steps were in hand.
Right: Photograph showing the new Watson font steps, 1940 (Call Number: RG 0/22/99).
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Much Needed Additions
When Watson Library opened in 1924 there was not enough space to house the library’s entire collection of books. Departmental libraries were established to help ease the situation. In 1949 renovations began to finally address the space problem. Bookstacks were expanded to the east and provided room for over 200,000 additional books. An addition to the west provided space for administrative offices, a sixth reading room, and the accessioning and preparation departments among others.
Left: Photograph of Watson Library showing the new west wing, 1950s (Call Number: RG 0/22/99 Photographs).
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Collections Enrichments
By 1960, space limitations once again forced collections out of Watson and into various spaces across campus, including beneath Memorial Stadium. This was due in part to Dean Robert Vosper’s successful program to improve the research collections for KU faculty and students. The 1964 renovation included an east wing which provided space for Special Collections, the regional history collection, and nearly doubled the seating capacity. The bookstacks on the west side of the library also received an addition.
Left: Photograph of Watson Library showing the east wing addition, 1964 (Call Number: RG 0/22/99 Photographs).
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Modernization for a New Era
In 1965, Watson Library was deemed to be deficient for an institution of higher education. To meet the changing needs of the campus community and to accommodate emerging technology, renovations were undertaken in the early 1980s. This time, the renovations were largely on the interior. The remaining remnants of gothic architecture were removed to make way for computer terminals and expanded study space. Once again, the front steps were in need of replacement and continue to be a cause for concern during the winter.
Left: Photograph of Watson Library showing the new steps and accessible ramp, 1984 (Call Number: RG 0/22/99 Photographs).