Author Archives: travis

May 2 Update

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We are so pleased with the progress that RVA construction has been making. We are also very grateful to the UR facilities moving crew. We have a lot of “stuff” and lately we have playing “musical stuff”.

Today the rails to the compact shelving on B2 went in so there is a lot of drilling noise. The shelving carriages will then be installed on the rails, then the shelving on top of that. Upstairs, barriers have gone in and demolition has began in earnest in the former administration office, the quiet study room, the microfilm area, and the former digital production services office. Restroom renovations continue on B1.

The library was a little tropical over the last 24 hours as a chiller supply line was interrupted. There will also be an interruption Thursday morning in the plumbing.

Most of B2 is now usable again and all of the collection should be accessible.

Hopefully we will have some new pictures up later today or in the morning.

May Flowers

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So it’s May 1st and a lot has changed, even since last week. The quiet study room is gone, even the ceiling grid has been pulled down. B2 is usable but a portion is blocked off so that the track can be put down for the new compact shelving. The track started going in this afternoon. The B1 restroom is now closed and is under renovation. There is also a large hole that will turn into a window by Jim Gwin’s old office.

Folks are settling into to their new-to-them-temporary digs. There haven’t been too many tears shed. Soon everyone will be back on the grid again with phones (thanks Phil!).

What to expect the week of April 30

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Demolition will begin in earnest on May 30. The main areas of impact will be the the former study booths on B2 and some work on the first floor. Expect noise and debris in these areas.

Moving of furniture and people will also continue. Major relocation will include the Digital Production Service Unit as well as some other staff from the back office areas of Boatwright. The administration office will also re-locate. Because of phone relocation email may be the best way to communicate with certain people. Ask at the main service desk for new office locations.

We will also be ironing out temporary furniture placement as well as establishing the new microfilm and map areas on B2.

Much more to come! Have a nice weekend!

Furnishings, Fabrics, and Colors

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We are getting close to finalizing the details of our new areas. We know that our users will be most impacted by the new study spaces on the first and second floors. We are lucky to be working with Pye Interiors www.pyeinteriors.com. They have so much experience working with education institutions and they really listen to what we have to say on our users’ behalf.

We have taken away major themes and ideas from feedback that we have solicited through focus groups, received as suggestions, and through our observation studies. Clue: we know to have lots of access to power! We also know you need plenty of multi-functioning and varying spaces.

To all of you who have made suggestions and helped us in our focus groups, thanks! You will see real evidence of your input later this summer and into fall!

In the next few weeks…

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As the semester winds down and exams wind up here are a few changes in our collection to be aware of:

-The “new book” section will temporarily house the reference section. This may also overflow into the faculty publication area. New books will go directly to the shelves.

-The microfilm area will be moved from the second floor to its new home on B2 on the week of April 23.

We will make sure to have signage to reflect these changes.

A (Temporary) Room of One’s Own

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Many things will change over the summer here at Boatwright. One change will be improved staff spaces. Better staff spaces make our work flows more efficient. It also improves morale and productivity and in turn allows us to serve our patrons better.

In the meantime, many of our staff will be relocated this summer into temporary rooms with temporary room mates. Staff will move to their temporary quarters, then move again to their permanent quarters. In the end, I think we all agree that the headaches will be worth it and we may even have a little fun.

Rest assured that we will be posting signage so in case you need us this summer you will be able to locate your favorite department (I am partial to ILL). If you do get turned around, relax, the main service desk is staying right where it has always been and you can ask for directions there.