Review of University Librarian Nancy L. Baker
Facilities Improvements
The general physical condition and functionality of the twelve facilities that collectively comprise the University Libraries have been a primary concern since I arrived. The furnishings in many of our libraries were or continue to be worn out and dated. But even more importantly, the furnishings and layout of many of the libraries were or still are not very conducive to the needs of a contemporary research library. The Main Library and the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences are especially problematic. The Main Library has provided storage for the branch libraries and is extremely crowded. In addition, because of its size, even the smallest changes can be expensive to implement in that building. The Hardin Library has architectural limitations that seriously limit its flexibility. Many of the branch libraries have been remodeled or will soon be remodeled as the buildings in which they are located are renovated. All the libraries have serious storage problems. The stacks are overly crowded (well beyond national standards) and seating and other user spaces continue to be sacrificed to accommodate bookstacks and other collection storage. The University Administration (through FREC funds and Coca Cola revenues) and the Parents Association have assisted financially in our efforts to replace worn-out chairs in the public areas and with some carpeting and paint. We have also been able to use some salary savings and development funds for various facility upgrades. This past year we were awarded a grant from the Roy J. Carver Trust to “reimagine” the Information Arcade in the Main Library (discussed earlier).
The following is a list of facility-related initiatives and improvements during my tenure at the University:
- Worked with Geoffrey Freeman of Shepley Bullfinch Richardson and Abbott on a Space Planning Study, focusing on functionality in the Main and Hardin Libraries and collection storage throughout the Libraries. Mr. Freeman is the national authority on library space planning. We consulted with the University Libraries Committee throughout the process. The study was submitted to the University on October 27, 2003.
- Currently working with the University to develop a high density, preservation sensitive off-site storage facility for lesser used collections. This is one of the Universities’ highest priorities for capital projects.
Specific facilities improvement:
- Hardin Library for the Health Sciences - Created a new, disability accessible entrance on Newton Road when it became a pedestrian walkway in front of Hardin and the Cambus no longer had a stop there. Remodeled the main third floor to combine service desks, create more functional user spaces (especially for group work), and provide more functional staff space. This was funded by salary savings and development funds. Lighting was also improved throughout the building. Feedback from users on these changes has been very positive.
- Moved the Engineering Library into the renovated Lichtenberger Engineering Library in the Seamans Center during the summer of 2001. The library had been temporarily housed in the Main Library during renovation.
- Merged the separate “Undergraduate Collection” into main stacks and weeded unused duplicates. Nothing had been added to this collection in years and the collection circulated according to the same policies as the rest of the Main Library. The separate location for these books had been very confusing to users.
- Planned for the renovation of the Chemistry Library and the eventual merger with the Geoscience Library in the remodeled space. Chemistry Library is currently housed in the Main Library during renovation.
- Installed new carpeting in the 1 st floor corridor of the Main Library; created a more suitable space for the new books display and will soon have a permanent display of historical photographs of the University and other visuals along the walls of that main corridor.
- Implemented new signage system in the Main Library.
- Painted and purchased new furniture for the Music Library and created a new seating area in the Psychology Library.
- Upgrade the furnishing in a staff lounge in Main as well as dangerously worn-out carpeting in the Libraries’ Administration Offices.
- Upgrade staff chairs for ergonomics as needed.
