Construction on Waldo Library's lower level may disrupt access to collections, technology services

Updates:

• June 21, 2022— Updated project timeframe and Learning Glass studio temporary location.
• June 1, 2022—Updated tech space relocation information.

Construction to install new carpet, ceiling tiles and energy-efficient lighting on Waldo Library's lower level began in June and is expected to continue through December. Access to the lower level's print collections, technology services and study spaces will be disrupted. The impacted subject areas include science, medicine, agriculture, technology, military and naval sciences, and bibliography and library science (call letters Q-Z). All other floors and collections in Waldo Library will be open and operating as normal.

Library users may request unavailable materials through InterLibrary Loan for fulfillment from another library while the lower level collection is offline. Library staff will utilize an extensive network to order and deliver requested materials from other libraries across Michigan and the U.S.

"Our priority is creating a library that feels welcoming to all students and supports a wide range of academic needs," says Julie Garrison, dean of University Libraries. "This project will create a fresh and inviting study space for students, increase energy efficiency with new lighting, improve the accessibility of our stacks and make our technology spaces, like the Virtual Reality Lab, more inviting, visible and useable."

Waldo Library's size and extensive print collections add complexity to what may seem to be routine carpet and lighting updates. Rather than removing and boxing every book, movers will lift and relocate over 20,000 linear feet of shelving loaded with print items.

"The sheer size of our print collection creates unique challenges for any facility update," says Garrison. "These projects require special care and planning to minimize the impact on our users while we update our spaces. We will do everything we can to help our users get what they need throughout the project's duration."

Our Virtual Reality Lab, 3D printers and flight simulators have moved to Room 2030 on the second floor. The Learning Glass Studio is located in Classroom A (1070) on the first floor. The Multimedia Studio and Respondus Testing Room are temporarily offline while we move equipment, so these services can continue to be available during the project.

Subscribe to the University Libraries' email newsletter or visit our website for more information as the project moves forward.