Conceptual drawing of UPEI archives meeting space. (CBC)

The University of Prince Edward Island has put forward a proposal to build a $4 million addition on the Robertson Library that would hold the university's archival material.

The 8,000 square foot, three-storey structure would include special meeting and exhibit space, in addition to being a storage facility for the university's print and art collections. Storage and preservation facilities would go on the lower level. The main floor would have exhibit spaces, including a giant screen.

"It's a physical gathering place for people who want to create, discuss and build on top of the cultural heritage that would be part of the Island Archives digital online component," said university librarian Mark Leggott.

The upper level would have space for workshops and smaller gatherings, as well as workstations where individual and community groups can go to digitize material for inclusion in the archives.

UPEI is hoping the federal and provincial governments will contribute about $2 million of the $4 million cost.

The province already has promised one major historical project, and is now saying it could be five years before it builds a provincial museum, which a report says could cost close to $40 million.

Leggott believes the two projects could work together.

"From our perspective it's a synergy with, an enhancement to, beneficial to, any kind of physical, provincial museum facility that might happen," he said.

Leggott is meeting with interested groups of people to outline UPEI's plans for the Island Archives Centre. He's hoping to have construction underway by next year.