Thursday, December 18, 2014

New Shelving Installed

We've fielded many questions about our book collection over the past several months.  Rest assured, they WILL be coming back - and look at the spiffy new compact shelving!
Open shelves, with lighting that runs perpendicular to the shelving so there shouldn't be any dark aisles.

All the units together - turn a handle to open!

Looking in from the computer/study area on the lower level.

The books themselves are still in storage - they will return sometime after the new year.  But we're getting closer!


Friday, December 12, 2014

Getting Closer...

As winter break approaches and Spencer Hill is covered with snow, the exterior work on the library is mostly finished.

So come inside to see how the finishing work is progressing!
This is the entry from the new program space and cafe (the addition) across the walkway over the stairs.  The wall in front of you - where the workers' tools are sitting - is where Arthur A. Houghton, Jr's portrait will hang.

Once you have entered the library, the main desk and library offices will be to your right.  To your left, you will see the writing, math and science learning centers, now re-imagined and consolidated in one space!
 This first picture shows the offices for the 3 centers.  There are similar rooms for group study and/or tutoring sessions on the other side of the gallery.
That's a lot of ceiling tiles!  This picture was taken from the back of the building, looking toward the program space/addition.  Those boxes full of ceiling tiles will be replaced by computers and work tables for student use.

Here is the "gallery shot," looking from the Learning Centers down the gallery toward the main desk.  It looks deceptively peaceful, doesn't it?!?!?

Downstairs, flooring is going in and walls are going up.  Here is the library instruction room, a hands-on learning space for librarians to teach search skills and information literacy to students and classes in any discipline.  We are excited to use this space!!

And finally, a picture of what we anticipate will be some of the most popular space in the library - reservable group study rooms!  That's right, we are investigating ways to allow students to reserve rooms for group projects and study time.  Stay tuned!
Even though it isn't completely finished, this room has great lighting, lots of power and data access, and an inviting feel.  We're looking forward to seeing our students in these spaces!