Update December 2005

The Auraria Library was established as a shared library for the Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State College of Denver and the University of Colorado at Denver in July 1976. Today about 33,000 students are enrolled at the three institutions.

The 184,000 square foot building was constructed at a cost of $5.2 million. Its design by Helmut Jahn of CF Murphy won an award from the American Institute of Architects.

The Auraria Library supports the research and service requirements of all faculty and outreach mission of each of the three institutions.

Being the only publicly funded academic library and media center in Denver Metropolitan area, Auraria Library serves the largest campus student population in Colorado.

The Strengths and Unique Characteristics of Our Library

• Diversity in student population - The average age of the students is 28; 22 to 24% of the students are of ethnic minority; students range from community college to doctoral candidates.
• Disability program - The campus was ranked among the top five as one of the most "disabled friendly," the library houses a computer laboratory for the students with disabilities and provides special assistance to them.
• At Distance accessible services and resources - The 250 online databases can be accessed by students, faculty and staff from off-campus.
• Denver affiliation by geographical proximity - The centralized location encourages corporate and community relationships with the library.