When students are looking for texts at the new James B. Hunt, Jr. Library, they can forget searching for lengthy call numbers.

When the library opens on Centennial Campus in early 2013, students will have robots at their disposal to help with searches, allowing them to receive a book at the end of a simple click.

The Automated Book Delivery System at Hunt library, which can hold up to two million books, will be the first of its kind in the state. 

Not only will students be able to request books, but also watch the entire system in action through windows that are not common to the ABDS at other universities.

Honora Eskridge, director of Centennial Campus Research Services, shared the floor plans and architectural rendering of the upcoming library Wednesday.

According to Eskridge, the new library could well become a campus landmark.

“It is going to be a signature building that captures the essence of Centennial Campus. In the design of this landmark building, we seek nothing less than to create the best learning and collaborative space in the country,” Eskridge said.

“Those who have lived [on Centennial Campus] have really longed for this. The timeless aspects of the library will be reflected in its dynamic environment and the diverse people,” Eskridge said.

In addition to the ABDS, the library will house a “creativity lab,” which will consist of revolving walls, sliding screens and write-on surfaces. The lab is designed such that by revolving the walls and screens, it will be possible to create totally different rooms in the same space at different times. 

There is also a gaming room that will house multiple large screens that allow for a richer gaming experience. 

Another piece of technology touted by Hunt supporters is the Immersion Theater, which will feature a high-tech, tiled video display to create an environment in which the viewer is surrounded by images. 

During the presentation, Patrick Deaton, assistant director for learning spaces and capital management for the NCSU Libraries, described the floor plans for the five-story building.

“In addition to the books and numerous study rooms, the library will also house the Institute for Emerging Issues and dining options on the first and fifth floor,” Deaton said.

Construction for the library is on schedule, though a few issues remain unresolved.

The library is planned to remain open for 24 hours a day like D.H. Hill, and will primarily house books pertaining to engineering and the college of textiles, according to Eskridge. While this is great news for graduate students, the majority of which live nearby on Avent Ferry Road, engineering students on main campus may have a hard time getting to the Hunt Library late at night.

Currently only the Southeast Loop and Engineering buses go to Centennial Campus after 6.30 p.m., and that only lasts until about 10 p.m.

The Werewolf service, which runs from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. weekdays, would be the primary means of transportation for students.

According to Eskridge, the issue has not been resolved, but discussions are ongoing with University Transportation.

“It could be difficult for students to get here late on campus,” Eskridge said. “But we are talking to Transportation and will hopefully find a way.”  

Students are eagerly waiting for the library to open.

Nand Kishore Agrawal, a graduate student in industrial engineering, said the library will offer a unique experience.

“I’m really excited about Hunt, especially since we will be having so many interesting things there, it’ll be a great experience and I’m sure a lot of fun as well,” Agrawal, who lives on Avent Ferry Road, said. “It could be a spooky walk down there at night, but let’s see how it works out. I could still always go there during the day.”