Mikkelsen Library Makeover

We are beginning to move — in small steps. Our new reference and media shelving arrived this week.

The staff worked on moving existing shelving to its new home. Thanks to the maintenance crew for their assistance in assembling and leveling the shelving.

Construction crews continue to work at a fast pace so we try hard not to disrupt them. The limestone fireplace is complete and is waiting for the installation of the granite hearth. The granite was formerly located around the fireplace in the library’s staff lounge.

Time to start moving our first collection — oversize — to its new home. Check out Flickr for the most recent photo updates.

Last week at this time, students were in the thick of finals and the library staff was preparing for the move of a lifetime….ok one of many moves during the life of this renovation.

Thank you to the students who were patient during our construction preparations. The staff worked diligently to preserve quiet time in the library while moving the entire journal collection to its new home — compact shelving on the lower level. Just last Saturday, we were still providing library services as the 1954 portion of the building was being emptied.

As of today, we have added books with call numbers A-HT to the compact shelving, moved the majority of staff to the lower level (3 staff will be located in the Center for Western Studies), and removed all tables, chairs and shelving units to make room for the Henry Carlson crew. When I have a moment to pause, I’m truly amazed at all that has been accomplished AND the realization that this is really going to happen!!

Here are a few photos of the changes over the last week. More photos can be found at the library’s flickr account.

PERIODICALS AREA BEFORE

PERIODICALS AREA AFTER

MAIN BOOK COLLECTION (Upper Level) BEFORE

MAIN BOOK COLLECTION (Upper Level) AFTER (HV-PZ still remain on the upper level)

The library staff has completed (for the moment) the movement of our collections to prepare for this summer’s renovation. Please ask at the main (circulation) desk if you need help locating a book.

The reference collection was shifted to the end of the Q-Z’s on the main floor over Spring
Break. Ask for help locating your favorite reference books!

The government documents collection has been relocated to the shelving adjacent to the elevator on the third floor. Thanks to the Augie maintenance & grounds crew and the library staff, the shelving in the balcony area has been disassembled. The seating will remain until Spring Break. During break, it will move to allow the tile to be removed and then returned for student use until after finals.

Balcony area before

Balcony area March3, 2008.