A Glimpse of AIT Modernized Library due to 'Soft-Opening' on 17 January 2017

7 January 2017

Dear Members of AIT Family and Friends

The original AIT Library was constructed with funds donated by the Government of Japan in 1981. It was a typical university library built at that time, with bookshelves dominating the ground floor and special collections being showcased on the upper floor.

In October 2011, Thailand experienced its worst flooding on record. On the fateful day of October 21, 2011, the inundation of AIT was total and complete, with water cresting at more than two meters. The floodwaters remained for over two months, and severely damaged almost the entire AIT infrastructure, including the ground floor of the Library.

After the flood, the original library could have been repaired in a simple manner if we wanted to maintain it in the same old form and format. However, in today's digital age, modern libraries have emerged as places for immersive learning and meeting places for academic discussion and intellectual reflection. It is where media centers, digital repositories, and wonders of modern architecture and design converge to create a stimulating atmosphere.

Thus, it was my personal belief that the flood aftermath presented us a golden opportunity for the library to be modernized for the 21st century needs of students and faculty.

Thanks to the overwhelmed supports of AIT's corporate partners, alumni, former faculty, present faculty, staff and friends, we are able to raise around 80 million Baht for the repairs, renovation and modernization of the AIT Library.

After 1.5 years of planning, design and construction, the AIT Modern-time Library is now scheduled to be 'soft-opened' on 17 January 2017.

The Official Opening Ceremony will be scheduled later once other renovations in the campus are completed.

With kind regards,
Prof Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai
AIT President