Major renovations underway

We're always trying to make the library a better place to read, write, relax. Study, do research, work with others. Last year saw a new entrance and service desks opening on to the Atrium. This year we're going to continue upgrading library space. In fact, it starts in a few hours...

We're not talking just cosmetic improvements (although there will be some of that). We're talking the kind that involve noise, dust and disruption - demolition, reconstruction - the kind that will be worth it in the end. Here are the highlights:
  • The Administration offices are moving - Over the next few months the group study rooms on the second floor will be converted to offices for library administrators. This means, of course, that during this time, those group study rooms will be unavailable. Small group work can continue in that room at the end of the old lobby (the one with the words GROUP STUDY SPACES on the wall).
  • New group study rooms will be built - in the area vacated by the admin offices. The idea is to have all of our group study rooms conveniently located on the first floor. That job will probably start in early October.
  • The washrooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors will be completely upgraded - new fixtures, new decor, more accessible. Of course...they will be unavailable while the work is being done. So everyone will have to use the washrooms on the main floor (or those in the Atrium). This project should be finished by the end of September.
  • The wall separating the Reference Room and the "old lobby" is coming down - that's about 90 feet of brick and glass. But it will create one large, open and flexible space.
  • The old lobby area will get a much-needed facelift - new flooring, new furniture, a new lease on life (and, yes, the washrooms on this floor will also be renovated). Final decisions on how this space will be used have yet to be made but we definitely want it to be comfortable and inviting.
  • The former Reserve Reading Room will be re-purposed. Once the dust has settled, it will feature a brand new state-of-the-art teaching lab. It will also include 7 more new group study rooms - you said you wanted them!

Like I said, a lot of changes, some disruption, a lot of benefits. But we're doing it all for you...

And if you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas on any of the renovations or on how to use library space, we'd love to hear from you. You can submit a comment on this blog entry, send me an email at ron.houlihan@smu.ca or, if you prefer the anonymous route, drop a note in the suggestion box. I'll use this space to keep everyone up-to-date on our progress. And thanks, in advance, for your patience.

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