Claflin's H.V. Manning Library Rebranded and Transformed into High-Tech Teaching and Learning Center

The recent rebranding of the venerable H. V. Manning Library at Claflin University provides a blueprint for modernizing and expanding the capacity of the central resource for academic information and research materials on college campuses.  Through advanced technology, reimagined spaces, and new pedagogical approaches that increase engagement and collaboration, Claflin has embarked on a bold initiative that aligns with the Elevation and Transformation that has defined Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack's leadership since he arrived in 2019.

“The H.V. Manning Library now has a new futuristic design that reimagines the facility as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and discovery,” said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack during the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This transformation represents more than just bricks and mortar. It symbolizes our dedication to providing our students and faculty with state-of-the-art resources and spaces that inspire creativity and achievement.”

Warmack said the renovation project is a response to research and recommendations from University administrators, students, faculty, and staff. The design also implements current and future higher education and career-readiness trends. 

“As we look to the future, this library will stand as a testament to our university’s vision and our steadfast belief in the power of education to change lives,” he said. “To our students, this space is for you.  A place where ideas will flourish, dreams will take shape, and new possibilities will emerge. To our faculty, may this facility continue to support your invaluable contributions to teaching, research, and scholarship.”

The project also included reducing the library's book inventory by removing publications rarely used during the past five years.  However, select publications are available, and the library subscribes to several databases, so the books are available on digital platforms.

Among the features of the library are:

• Traditional Study Pods with seating for multiple students and Study Pods for individual students. These are equipped with magnetic dry erase boards, Smart TV monitors, w/cameras.
• Two (2) pods dedicated to Virtual Reality
• The traditional circulation checkout desk for books will be a student support resource that assists students with using various technologies for research and other projects.
• Additional workstations and "collaboration spaces" throughout the main floor.
• Panther Podcast Room equipped with acoustic wall panels, a microphone, a green screen, and lighting.
• A small café offering Just Baked, a patented vending machine that provides fresh baked foods, including White Castle Burgers. Just Baked has a capacity for 14 different food items.
• Traditional vending machines with assorted snacks, Pepsi and Starbucks vending machines

The three-story structure was built in 1967 and named for Dr. Hubert V. Manning, Claflin’s sixth president and an alumnus. It experienced several upgrades and renovations, the last in the early 2000s. 

“Even with advanced technology and the rebrand, the H.V. Manning Library will remain the place for students to collaborate for class assignments and research," said library director Marilyn Gibbs Drayton.  “Our student outreach will continue, and the library's numerous resources are also utilized by the faculty who request articles for research and classroom assignments.”

“This library serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when we work together to honor our past while building for the future,” said Warmack.

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