Please join us on Wednesday, July 30th at 10:00am in the Class of ’47 for to discuss recent research by Steelcase on the future of academic library spaces.  Their white paper, describes their work below. If you are able to join us, please RSVP to Kristen Jones.

“Libraries are the preeminent icons of higher education. Leafy quadrangles, clock towers, and stadiums may star on the college home pages, but it’s the library that captures the academic heart of campus, both symbolically and physically. While information can be obtained from virtually anywhere, the library remains the only central location where new information technologies can be combined with traditional knowledge sources to support the social and
educational patterns of learning, teaching and research.

But if the library is to continue its pivotal role in the college learning experience, it needs to evolve to meet changing pedagogies and learning modes, and the evolving needs of students and instructors.

In the Spring of 2009, Steelcase initiated a major study of libraries at colleges and universities. This effort, along with our research of higher education over the last several years, has allowed us to develop a set of findings and insights about libraries, and new innovative designs for 21st century library spaces that we would like to share with you.”

This is the time of year that Bookworms often closes to clean and buff the floors but this year the closure is so much more.  As you have likely seen through the windows, Bookworms is transforming their space to better serve their customers.

The changes will not decrease the available seating, but will eliminate the self-serve coffee functions.  The new staff work area will be bumped out into the area where they now have the bagels and other grab-an-go items giving them a much larger are to work in. The front will include refrigerator systems and the condiments station will be double sided and in the same general area they were before.  The toaster will also be in the same general area, with the plan to be to have that against the glass.

The image below is part of the concept design so may not be what the finished product looks like, but it will certainly give you a sense of the new look and feel.

Copyright of Corsair Display Systems, LLC.

They are pushing to have the work done for opening at the beginning of the semester and we will keep our fingers crossed that it happens!

The best laid plans…..

So, as you are aware from our weekly “chats”, things progressed in our summer flooring renovation much slower than originally anticipated.  As a result, they are still with us.  We are working with them on parameters that are different now to try and balance the need to keep them moving on the project, but not disrupt the usage of the building during the busy semester.  We realize that there are still inconveniences, but the tradeoff is that we will get through this project.   So where are we now?

Levels 2 & 3 Lobbies – they have been completed.  (Terry, we reminded them yesterday of the thresholds for your doorways, hopefully they will be on that today if not done already)

Administrative Offices – the scheduled completion is today.  We will be on target to start moving back in on Tuesday & Wednesday.

Levels 1 & 2 Bathrooms – If they are not yet, they will be open today.  The final piece was getting the toilet paper holders on and that was being done yesterday afternoon when I left.

Elevators – the flooring is done and the elevators are back in service.  They still need to apply the base but I’m sure you will agree they look great!

What’s next:

Basement Bathrooms – They will be demo’ing those starting next week.  Yes, that will mean noise but there isn’t much of an option around this other than a bit of patience.  They will also be working on the Director’s Office bathroom.

Class of ’47 – They will start carpeting in there on Tuesday.

Those areas are the last of the main areas that they will be working on until December break.  They have a lengthy punch list of items that need working on that we will continue to push for work on throughout the semester but it should not close down any major spaces.  December break will see the main stairway, Husky Tech office (this was missed), and the entrance mats for both the South and the West entrances.

If you have any questions, let me or Dave know.

Thanks, and have a great weekend!
Jean

The University’s department of Environmental Health & Safety received a request to do an air quality test in Babbidge and contracted with TRC Solutions out of Windsor, CT to do so. TRC preformed an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment of Levels B and 1.  The test on July 3rd included “visual and olfactory observations, total respirable dust air sampling, baseline IAQ parameter measurements of temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide; as well as the qualitative mold spore air and surface sampling.”  The summary findings indicated the air handling and filtration system is working very well, and there are minimal or “rare” instances of fungal spores in the air and on surfaces.  They believe that the new filtration system with its backup filters and cleaning of the ductwork done during the 1998 renovations is the main reason that this facility is performing well and that the air quality in Babbidge Library is one of the cleanest on campus.  There were a few recommendations dealing with standing water near the air handling units that will be addressed with facilities.

There was some questions from staff about stack and general facility maintenance (dusty ceiling vents, shelving, etc.) and EH&S suggested that this is consistent with many buildings on campus and the dust did not create any elevated airborne dust levels.  However, she did suggested that it would be appropriate for us to address these to prevent the eventual redistribution of the dust into the air of the library. Dave will be contacting Dave Loetrek, from University Building Services and GCA (the University’s’ cleaning service) to discuss the options going forward with this.

The full report is available for anyone interested.