Serving University of Utah students for more than 75 years, the Marriott Library complex has evolved in several phases to keep up with campus needs. However, a study performed by Reaveley in 2001 found lateral force resisting deficiencies in the building. This, along with the potential for loss of life and irreplaceable collections, made the library complex the University’s top priority for rehabilitation.

A seismic upgrade and interior remodel were carried out on the five-story library while this student-essential structure remained in full operation. The structural upgrade provided unique energy dissipating solutions to address significant seismic concerns. Upgrades included shear walls and buckling restrained braced frames.

Today, the library features a student information commons area, 15 new group study rooms, 450 wired reader seats, a cyber café, grand reading room, special collections reading and research room, graduate study area, electronic education center, and Digital Scholarship Center. A new two-million volume Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) building was designed and constructed immediately west of the library.