On a crisp February morning underneath a massive white tent in the shadow of the newest building in the Alexandria skyline, more than 1,000 Hokies, government officials, faculty, students, and business leaders celebrated a new era in education and research — the grand opening of Academic Building One. As they walked through the doors of the glass and steel building after the ceremony, they entered a hub designed to redefine how technology, learning, and collaboration converge.
Virginia Tech's new academic building in Alexandria was created in response to the demand for highly skilled tech professionals. Designed to foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government, the facility houses graduate programs in computer science, computer engineering, and business.
The 11-story Academic Building One officially opened for classes on Jan. 21. The building houses classrooms, research labs, collaborative workspaces, and a University Libraries branch.
Beyond the traditional
For many students and faculty, the library is the academic heart of campus. “Libraries are generally the soul of an academic institution,” said library assistant Kristin Sorensen. “This building without a library, it would still be pretty, but it wouldn’t have the same sense of being.”
Designed as a gateway to the main campus library in Blacksburg, this branch helps students navigate the University Libraries’ vast resources. Whether they need assistance with research, finding the right subject liaison librarian, or simply a quiet space to work, the library serves as a bridge between Alexandria and Newman Library.
The library in Academic Building One is also a technology hub, offering iPads, MacBooks, virtual reality headsets, and audio-visual equipment for students working on projects. “It’s kind of like the tech lending desk in Newman Library, but smaller,” said Debbie Bissi, coordinator for the library at Academic Building One.
In addition to digital resources, faculty and students can request physical books from Blacksburg’s collection at no cost, ensuring access to critical materials regardless of location. “Even though students can use interlibrary loan, a lot of them don’t take that extra step,” said Bissi. “We’re here to make sure they know about all the resources available to them.”
Building a community
Despite being housed in a building with the latest innovative technology and highly competitive academic programs, the library isn’t just about academics — it’s also about community. Game nights, puzzles, and casual study spaces help foster a sense of belonging. “We asked students what their favorite thing about the library is, and they said it gives them a sense of home,” said Sorensen.
The library team also collaborates with other student services to host events, including therapy dog visits during stressful exam periods. These efforts ensure that the library is a place for solitary study and a welcoming space for students navigating the challenges of graduate school.
A vision for the future
As the building’s academic programs take root and grow, the library’s role will evolve alongside them. Currently, many students commute to campus, but by fall, a larger full-time student body will begin calling the area home. “Right now, a lot of students don’t live near here, so they aren’t coming as often,” said Bissi. “That will change as we transition into a full-time academic community.”
With the potential for expanding book collections, offering rotating exhibits, and adjusting services to meet the needs of a diverse student population, the fifth-floor library will continue to be a community hub for Hokies in this new space converging technology, learning, and collaboration.
