Renovation has begun on the lower level of the Charles E. Young Research Library to open it up to users and make specialized materials easier to locate and use.
What was formerly staff work space is being opened up into a spacious, light-filled study commons filled with seating at tables, individual carrels, and in upholstered chairs. The plants and trees visible through the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows on the south and east sides of the building will be conducive to a calm, non-distracting study environment.
Adjoining the study commons on one side will be stacks housing newspapers and unbound periodicals, which users can browse at their convenience. On the other side will be self-service cabinets housing microforms/microfiche and maps, making these resources more easily available than many of them are currently.
The northwest section of the lower level will contain the offices of the subject specialists responsible for collection development and instructional services in the disciplines the Research Library supports. In addition to their offices, librarians will have access to a consultation space in which they can meet with individuals and small groups to provide more specialized assistance with research projects and teaching assignments.
Access routes to public spaces on the lower level, including the Department of Special Collections, Henry J. Bruman Map Collection, and restrooms, may change from week to week to accommodate construction. Notices will be placed in elevators and adjacent to stairwells to warn users of any access restrictions.