Project Overview

Professional Systems Engineering, LLC provided planning, engineering, and design services for the scholarly data and cataloging network, telephone communication and intercom, fire protection/alarm, library building security, and systems integration for the Henry Luce III and Speer Libraries.

Princeton Theological Seminary was one of the foremost scholarly research data centers for religious studies in the world. Many of the spaces contained archives that were irreplaceable and unique. A solution to protect these items included sophisticated fire and smoke detection systems, and sprinkler heads for use in these special spaces. The combination of smoke detection, pre-action water control, and interlocks, assures suppression of the fire and control of water to avoid extensive property damage.

Extensive security and card access systems were designed along with library book security for prevention of theft. IP data and telecommunications infrastructure were designed to support over 11 networks of computer systems as well as telephone distribution. Data communications networks served multiple purposes including standard networking within the facility, databases held within the University, and connections to other databases throughout the world.

  • Programming and schematics through final design
  • Access to Computer-Assisted Text Research (CAR) databases on CD-ROM servers
  • TCP/IP connectivity to CAR
  • High-speed networking on universal copper and fiber optic cabling systems
  • On-line managed access to CD-ROM
  • Pre-action, on/off sprinkler in archives (to the 15TH century)
  • Addressable programmable sensitivity of detection systems
  • ADA-compliant alarming
  • Video surveillance systems
  • Access control and library security systems