The McLure Library Addition and Renovation project allowed for the relocation of the School of Library and Information Sciences from the 7th floor of Gorgas Library to McLure in accordance with the Gorgas Library Master Plan. SLIS is part of the College of Communications and Information Sciences, and this relocation enhanced program adjacency to Reese Phifer Hall and provided additional space needed in Gorgas while maintaining the College of Education programs within the space.

McLure Library was originally constructed in 1925 and renovated in 1954 for the College of Education Library. The building has remained primarily unchanged since that time and the Project allowed for the comprehensive renovation of McLure and fully addressed all deferred maintenance issues including all new mechanical, electrical, accessibility, life safety systems, technology and building envelope issues including new windows.

The previously existing character, detailing, and quality of the building is appropriate and much in keeping with campus and building features standard University materials including brick and solid limestone columns, cornice and window surrounds. Together with Autherine Lucy Hall, the buildings have complemented each other and been a part of the University Boulevard streetscape for almost a century.

The addition also provided space for code-required vertical circulation and an elevator as the building did not previously have one.

ADA access to McLure was improved through the construction of a new entrance structure, which also houses program space below. Adjacent to the new entry is a plaza and gathering space designed with brick pavers, precast seat walls, new landscaping, and site lighting.

The previously existing access plaza to the front of the building from University Boulevard was also reconstructed as it had exceeded its service life and did not meet current structural code.

The Project allowed for the conversion of the stack space to general use and the floors were aligned with the main building floors. The addition did not impact the University Boulevard elevation to maintain the character of the original building main elevation.