Mallinckrodt - The University's Center

Following the 1973 dedication, The Washington University Magazine described Mallinckrodt as a "natural campus gathering place" where students and faculty alike would come to "relax, meet friends, study, browse the bookstore, have coffee, eat, rehearse or attend performing arts events, and get information on coming campus and community activities." Seemingly, the Mallinckrodt had directly and successfully met the needs of students, faculty, and the local community. 

However it is important to keep in mind that the Washington University Magazine was a publication written and published by university employees to maintain connections to WashU alumni and the St. Louis community. Thus, the publication constistenly paints the University in a positive light, and aims to justify the five-million dollar investment they just made to build Mallinckrodt.

However despite any bias that may have been reflected in this publication, the photograph above displays the heavy use that Mallinckrodt was already experiencing as the community tried to integrate into the space and use it to the best of their abilities. The diversity of activity within this photograph reflects Mallinckrodt's identity as a multi-purpose space, as there are students relaxing in comfortable chairs on the basement level while others are traveling around the building using the main staircase.

Credits 

O’Brien, Frank , ed. 1973. Review of Mallinckrodt: The New Crossroads of Campus. Washington University Magazine , 1973. Bernard Becker Medical Library Archives. https://digitalcommons.wustl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1051&context=ad_wumag.