Levels 1 and 2 will open later this semester.

University Libraries Mullins Renovation Updates

The University Libraries are excited to announce the new spaces and services that will be available on Levels 1 and 2 of Mullins Library later this semester. It is anticipated that these floors will be opened to the public in March.

"The renovations of Levels 1 and 2 of Mullins Library will transform our spaces and services to the benefit of students, faculty, and the entire U of A," said Jason Battles, dean of University Libraries. "We are excited to welcome everyone to these spaces where our campus community can not only study, teach, and do research but build skills with new maker technologies, record music and podcasts, and interact in immersive VR/AR spaces and a Visualization Lab. Our wonderful collections will be on display as well in a new Special Collections space with a classroom and exhibit gallery. Of course, we know campus is interested in Fowler's Nook café, which will be located on the south side of Level 1 with an exterior patio attached!"

Augmented/Virtual Reality Lab and Rooms

The renovated library will include an immersive and collaborative environment for augmented and virtual reality. The new AR/VR spaces provide these technologies to all of campus and address a growing need from several courses and programs across disciplines.

The reservable Data Visualization space features a 180-degree, floor-to-ceiling screen driven by multiple 4K projectors, creating a large, immersive experience for classes of up to 25 people.

Event Space

Colleges and units will again have large spaces available for various events, small conferences and performances. This includes a 2,500-square-foot event space with a catering kitchen and seating for 125-150 that can be configured for nearly any need.

Fowler's Nook Café

The campus community has expressed excitement about the inclusion of a café on Level 1 of Mullins, which was announced in October 2021. Funded in part by a generous gift from Chris Fowler, Fowler's Nook will offer fresh, healthy food and beverage options from Onyx Coffee. This new space will have natural light and an adjacent outdoor patio space.

Makerspace

A new makerspace will provide highly interactive, hands-on teaching and learning experiences and will include technologies such as 3D printers and scanners, sewing machines, and vinyl and laser cutters.

Recording Studio Suite

Spaces and equipment for professional audio and video recording will be made available by reservation. These spaces will allow the campus community to record music, presentations, lecture slides, videos, interviews, oral history projects and more. The Recording Studio Suite will include a control room, audio recording studio, video recording studio and podcast recording booths.

Upgrades to Special Collections

The Libraries' Special Collections Division houses rare and unique materials and makes them available to researchers worldwide. After the renovation, Special Collections will have a new reading room, dedicated classroom space, a modern processing and preservation area and an expansive exhibit gallery. Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts, a statewide program within the division, will have dedicated offices and a space for recording oral histories.

"We cannot wait to unveil all the spaces and programming this long-awaited renovation will provide campus," said Battles. "We are almost there."

artist's rendition of Mullins first level when work is completed

artist's rendition of Mullins second level when work is completed

We cannot wait to unveil all the spaces and programming this long-awaited renovation will provide campus. We are almost there.

Jason Battles
dean of University Libraries

Printing stations are available on the east (Old Main) side of level 4. A print release station is on the northeast corner (towards Maple Street) while a small computing lab at the southeast corner and print release station are in the southeast corner (towards Dickson Street).
Visit printsmart.uark.edu to get started.
Current Periodicals are now on level 3 in the northeast corner (Old Main side).
KIC Scanners are on the east stairwell, level 4.
The Help Desk has moved to 4th floor west (Union side).
The Resource Sharing Department has moved to Mullins room 449. You can still retrieve your Interlibrary Loan requests at the Help Desk (4th floor west).
Microfilm, microfiche, and map collections have moved to the Library Annex LISA location and are being prepared for retrieval requests. Thank you for your patience.
View a browseable list of Arkansas newspapers on microfilm.
Children's Collection moved to 4th floor
M1 - MT999 (Music, Musical Scores) moved to 4th floor
All Fine Arts Library materials have been moved to 4th floor
Multimedia Reference moved to 4th floor

Some library departments have moved offsite. View our personnel directory for updated office information.

Up-to-date location information is available in our call numbers and locations guide.

Browse our Mullins Renovation FAQs

University Libraries