What is the Science Library Lower Level Project about?
Beginning December 11, we will be preparing the lower level of the Science Library for renovation. Books and journals from that floor will be relocated to another building on campus for the duration of the renovation period. We will be installing compact mobile shelving throughout the Science Library Lower Level. Compact mobile shelving – similar to what exists in the Health Sciences Library – provides about twice the storage capacity of the “static” shelving currently throughout the Science Library. Once the compact mobile shelving is in place, we will be able to move some of the collection from the upper floors of the Science Library to the lower level, providing an opportunity to re-envision this space for student learning, study, collaboration, and instruction.
What is happening with the books and journals?
Books and journals from that floor will be relocated to another building on campus for the duration of the renovation period. A review of the print collection in the lower level was conducted by Science Librarians to determine which items will remain in the library, which will be relocated to the closed access storage facility, and which will be removed from the collection. Following the University Library’s policy, which adheres to the University’s policy for disposal of assets, these materials will be made available for faculty and students to view and remove for personal use. This same process was used for the Engineering Library collection relocation last year.
How will I access materials from closed access storage?
The library’s current process for retrieving items from storage will continue to be in effect throughout this project. A “request hold” placed for an item with the location of “Storage” in the library’s online catalogue will be retrieved and delivered to the library location of your choice. The estimated turnaround time is 1-2 business days.
Will the Science Library remain open during this project?
Yes. The Science Library will remain open, but the lower level will be closed off. We anticipate minimal disruption during the renovation period and we will notify patrons in advance when there will be construction noise.
What is the timeline for this project?
- Books available for takeaway – Nov 20 through Dec 2017
- Construction period – Jan through June 2018
- Books and journals returned to Science Library Lower Level – Early summer 2018
Why are we undertaking this project now?
There are several reasons. The basement is a contained space where work can happen without significantly impacting the research and learning experience of library clients. The project is also a good size (not too big, not too small) for developing efficient and effective processes and workflows for reviewing and reconfiguring collections during a renovation. This will be of great help as we move into larger renovation projects. Finally, the Science Library basement project is an opportunity to test different electronic compact mobile shelving from what was installed in the Health Sciences Library.