Mikkelsen Library Makeover

We sometimes forget that our neighbors and passersby see a lot of work happening on the Mikkelsen Library! Several construction projects are underway within a few blocks, so it’s sometimes tricky to get from Point A to Point B! I’ve included some pictures so you can get the flavor of Summer 2008.

East Parking lot

Exterior stair tower

East side of Library

Work has begun on the new exterior stairway!  It looks awesome!

The crew has also started to prepare the east brick wall for the fireplace on the main floor.

A new set of pictures from July 8th has been added to flickr - check it out!

The Henry Carlson crew granted the library staff a guided tour of the reconstruction on Thursday.  It’s amazing how fast one can forget how it used to look. We were giddy with excitement! After choosing our hard hats, we were on our way through the upper level.  Visit our set of pics on flickr.

The study rooms are going to be a big hit!  Spacious and technologically “smart”, the rooms offer great spaces to study for a test or prepare a group presentation.

(Study room - upper level)

The skeleton walls of the main level staff area and classroom are nearly complete.  The visibility of staff will be greatly improved.

(Staff area - main level)

The framing of walls is underway on the lower level.  The compact shelving has been hidden behind a temporary wall for protection during the reconstruction.

(Looking into the staff area - lower level)

We are looking forward to our next guided tour

It is easy to become discouraged after (many) days of jackhammering. But, that is easily wiped away by the opportunity to see the reconstruction in action!

The center stair is now gone and crews are working on framing the new group study rooms and staff area as well as all the behind the scenes work of wiring and plumbing. It is amazing to see the floor plans come to life!

Enjoy the pics!

New staff area . . .

The stair is gone!

New group study rooms — Upper Level looking west

2 Group Study Rooms — Upper Level East (near balcony)

Study Rooms — Upper Level (formerly Oversize A-PZ)

The library has reopened today for the beginning of summer school. Access to the library is available on the campus side of the link.

Demolition of the internal stair continues, so it can be a little noisy in the library. Public access will be limited to the lower level. Staff will be happy to assist patrons needing items from our book collection.

Here is what remains of the internal stair . . .

The crews have begun pouring the footings for the new external stair tower on the south side of the building.

As the library staff continues to prepare our temporary space for patrons, the construction crews have been VERY busy with demolition. They have shared a few photos of their progress — all 17 are available on flickr.

What a difference a few days can make . . .

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)

If you’ve walked past or spent time in the Mikkelsen Library in the last few weeks of spring semester, you have no doubt noticed lots of changes. Much of what made our library lively and welcoming—plants, beautiful art and sculptures—have been moved! Despite the stripped-down look, the library is humming as students prepare for finals. Remember–we are open until midnight through Thursday, May 22 and we open at 7:00 am each morning through Friday.

The Big Move to compact shelving has begun, and please excuse the noise that goes along with it. The library will close on Saturday, May 24 at 2:00 pm and will be closed to the public until Monday, June 9. The bookdrop will remain available until after Memorial Day. After that, books may be dropped off at the Commons desk. More details will follow!

It’s an exciting & messy time—sort of like giving birth. And we can’t wait for everyone to meet the newest addition to the Augustana family next fall.

Finally, keep checking the blog over the summer whether you’re in Sioux Falls or not. Cheers!

Library Renovation Update

Link access:

–work is scheduled to begin on the new south stair tower Monday, May 12, at which time access to the east door of the link between the library and CWS will be unavailable. Access between the buildings will be maintained, but traffic from the Summit parking lot to the campus side will not be possible.

–patrons are directed to follow the sidewalk around the south side of the Center for Western Studies and turn back north for access to the library.

Two-week closure:
–to make our aggressive renovation schedule work, all library services will be provided from the 1980 building (south library) during the summer. The 1954 building is scheduled to be completed in August. The staff must vacate the 1954 building in the two-week window between the end of spring semester and the beginning of the first summer session. As a result, the entire library will not be open for patrons from Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, June 6.

The library staff will be working, but primarily moving and setting up temporary quarters. During this period we expect to be without telephone, Internet, and power (probably water and AC, as well) at various times.

Street Closing
–from Tuesday, May 27 until Friday, August 22, Summit Ave will <be closed between 29^th and 31^st streets to provide construction parking and staging space. Access to the Madsen lot will be maintained.

Check out the updated floor plans for the library renovation! The following links will open a PDF file for each floor.

Lower Level

Main Level

Upper Level