History

The John F. Prince Library Media Center (LMC), located on the main campus of Glendale Community College, is the heart of the GCC library system as the building houses the majority of the collection as well as most GCC librarians and service personnel.

The library, or Instructional Materials Center (I.M.C.) as it was known then, was one of the original buildings when the college located to its present site at 59th and Olive avenues in 1966. William T. Sickrey served as the first I.M.C. director.

The I.M.C. included classrooms, an audio-visual studio, and the library collection of approximately 24,000 volumes and more than 360 periodical subscriptions. Campus photocopy and tutoring services also operated from the library at various times.

On May 24, 1977 with motions 3498 and 3499, the MCCCD Governing Board, officially named the I.M.C. after John F. Prince in recognition of the contributions of Dr. Prince to Glendale and the Community College District. Dr. Prince was the first president of GCC (termed "executive dean" at that time). Later, he became president of the Maricopa District.

Building Highlights

The original buidling has undergone several renovations to improve services and enlarge space for a growing student body and collection. The main renovation project occurred in 1999-2000 when the interior of the facility was completely demolished. Only the exterior walls and interior support pillars remained.

The "new" building holds more than 85,000 volumes distributed comfortably across 40,000 square feet. Architectural highlights include an skylight above the computer commons, an open patio for studying in comfortable weather, museum lighting for the art collection, and an audio-visual production area.

The west entrance of the building features a 9 foot Arcosanti bell sculpture & functional wind chime by Paolo Soleri. This sculpture is representative of the extensive art collection on display within the LMC. The building also houses a classroom with workstations for students and an instructor. A video conferencing room facilitates distance instruction.

The LMC features 12 group study rooms as well as 76 computer work stations to support coursework and academic study.

Collections

The LMC has a large collection of circulating materials -- including books and video -- as well as reference materials and reserves for in-library use. 

Various collections are available at the LMC including a circulating Pro/Con (Contemporary Issues) collection to assist student with various assignments that tackle current social topics, a Juvenile collection featuring childrens books for all ages, a Leisure Reading Collection, and more.

The LMC at the main campus holds two special collections unique within the GCC library system: the Literacy Collection and the GCC archives.

Access to all of the subscription databases that are available to GCC students is provided at the LMC. 

Other Services and Facilities

The LMC at GCC's main campus features an array of facilities and services -- many of which are also available at GCC North. See GCC Library and Media Services homepage for details.