January 4, 2024

Jan. 11 open house to showcase latest Shiffman Medical Library renovations

The Shiffman Medical Library has been renovated with a planned gift from WSU professors Robert Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D. and Diane Sasaki, Ph.D.

The Shiffman Medical Library at the Wayne State University School of Medicine will hold an open house Jan. 11 to showcase its further transformation into a modern and inspiring hub for learning and collaboration.

The open house, which will take place from noon to 1 p.m., will unveil new furniture and a curated selection of artwork from the University Art Collection. Organizers said the ongoing collaboration of the University Art Collection and the Library System brings together the collective aspirations of both entities, using art within the library as a means to facilitate dialogue and bridge the gap between people and information.

The new design includes spaces for group work.

Paul Bracke, dean of the Wayne State University School of Information Sciences and University Libraries, and Shiffman Medical Library Director LaVentra Ellis-Danquah will host the open house. University Art Collection Curator Grace Serra will be present to discuss the newly-installed artwork.

Light refreshments will be served.

The new space was made possible thanks to a nearly $600,000 gift from former WSU professors Robert Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D., of the School of Medicine, and Diane Sasaki, Ph.D., of the Department of Chemistry, active library users who dedicated their lives to educating students in medicine and science.

The renovations, which began in February 2023, created expanded study space and updated seating configurations to meet students’ learning preferences and evolving needs. The atrium features new collaborative seating options, the quiet study area includes individual study booths and carrels for private study, and all study rooms have newly-installed monitors with the ability to screencast from a connected device.

The new furniture and equipment is installed throughout the entire library, with specific areas for students to work together, discuss ideas, collaborate on projects, study individually or relax in between classes and activities.

Shiffman Medical Library has been renovated with a planned gift from WSU professors Robert Mitchell, M.D., Ph.D. and Diane Sasaki, Ph.D.