This will be a year of transition and momentous change at the libraries. While I am currently serving as the interim dean of the library, we will conduct a national search for a new permanent dean to lead the library going forward.
We will also work throughout the year to enhance the Atkin Library facility. New ADA-compliant elevators will be installed in the library tower serving floors G-10 this year. As part of that project, we will also upgrade and modernize our restroom facilities and make improvements to the heating and cooling systems. During this project we will enhance safety and comfort, and transform the study spaces on floors five through10. The project will include renovations to bring these floors into ADA compliance along with upgrades to the fire alarm and smoke control systems. The project begins in May 2024 and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
Special Collections & University Archives
We anticipate that beginning in May, 2024, the Reading Room and service point for Special Collections & University Archives on the 10th floor will close for approximately 18 months. Many special collections materials will be in secure storage and unavailable for use during this time.
We will offer research and instruction services for those special collections that continue to be available. These services will be by appointment in a location on the first floor. We ask our community to begin planning now for these changes by contacting us about any anticipated research or instruction needs.
All of this will require a lot of work, and a lot of patience as the elevators and other systems are offline. We’ve already begun moving our special collections out of the tower and made room for student seating on floors in the rest of the building. Although there will be some disruption, rest assured that we will do everything within our abilities to maintain Atkins as a productive study and learning environment during these upgrades.
Thank you in advance for your patience during the closure and we will keep you updated on any changes to this timeline. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of J. Murrey Atkins Library, we are excited to embark on this project that will allow the library to meet the needs of students, faculty, staff, alumni, retirees, and the community for many years to come.
We are eager to answer any questions you might have. Please reach out to us with any of your information needs.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Steve Weiter, Interim Dean