Lots of Construction and Building Changes

Over the summer, a large-scale construction project was undertaken in the library. We had four goals for the project. They were:

· Moving all library operations into the library building for easier user accessibility
· Providing adequate space for Special Collections & Archives
· Reconfiguring the stacks in response to user concerns expressed in LibQual and other venues that materials were difficult to find
· Overall, making more effective use of the existing library space.

The final construction plan had the following pieces:

· A new instructional lab would be constructed where the Government Publications offices are currently located.
· Special Collections & Archives would have a new area constructed for them on the fifth floor.
· Related to this work, many of the stacks on the fourth and fifth floors would be reconfigured.
· A permanent wall would be constructed between 2023B and C and a folding partition providing better sound control will be constructed between A and B. An emergency door would be built between the library and old library, near the entrance to L2023B. Access to B and C would then only be available through the Old Library except when A and B are used simultaneously.
· Finally, the library loading dock area would be remodeled.

To date, most of the construction is complete. The lab is open for business, with information literacy classes already scheduled and in session. The Special Collections & Archives construction is almost done, with carpeting, furniture, wiring and drop ceilings left to complete. The fourth and fifth floor stacks have been reconfigured. We're still weeding the collections on these floors and will then shift the collection back onto empty shelves on each floor. New carpeting will also be installed off the stairwells and in the hallway going to Special Collections. The wall and door between Old Library and McIntyre has been constructed. However, the wall between 2023A and B has not been installed yet.

We expect all construction to be completed by mid-October, with the move of Special Collections & Archives happening not soon after.