Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening in the library?
Because of the extensive construction and
renovation of the Upjohn Library, neither people nor materials can remain in
the current library building after July 2004. In order to achieve the timelines
dictated by the construction project, it will be necessary to begin the moving
process during Winter Quarter continuing until we are completely moved.
What can we expect in the next two quarters?
Materials will be moved out of the building
during Winter and Spring quarters. Shelving, furniture, books, equipment, and
other materials will be relocated to storage areas both on and off campus.
Some library books are already being packed. Because of
scheduling and deadline constraints, it is necessary to pack and store some
sections earlier than others. Parts of the Reference section, materials in
on-campus storage in Dewing, and some Archives materials are being moved to
off-campus storage locations beginning in January.
Excavation will begin in early Spring. Construction noise
may occur during the day,
but we will do our best to be observant of classes in the library building.
After Commencement we will move the remainder of the building. The building will be completely vacated by July 30.
In the spring, books from the current
library building will be moved into the on-campus storage facility in Dewing;
these books will remain accessible during renovation (see below). Some
materials from the College Archives will also remain accessible. Least-used materials currently housed in
on-campus storage in Dewing will be moved to off-campus storage during the
Winter Quarter. These will be
inaccessible during renovation.
Because of the fragile and special nature of the materials in the Rare Book collection, these items will be stored in a climate controlled facility at the Library of Michigan in Lansing. These items will be inaccessible during construction.
How will I get books located in Dewing Storage during the renovation?
If the item you need is in on-campus storage in Dewing, library staff will retrieve materials from this facility and take them to the Quad Stop, where they can be checked out. The item will be available at the Circulation Desk within 24 hours. Complete information about the item is required to process your request. You may fill out a paper Storage Request Form at the Circulation Desk, or you can submit a request using our online Storage Request Form (http://www.kzoo.edu/is/library/storageform.html)
Please take advantage of Western Michigan University's libraries and the InMICH service to access items that are not in the library's currently circulating collection.
Since the renovation will last a while, can I check out books and journals for longer periods?
Loan periods will not change for any materials during temporary relocation. We will make every effort to meet student, faculty, and staff needs during the renovation.
Print reserve services will continue throughout renovation. We encourage faculty to use our Electronic Reserve services during renovation since this will minimize the need to physically come into the library for access to reserve materials. Please contact our Circulation Supervisor Mary Griswold (griswold@kzoo.edu or extension 5731) about Electronic Reserves.
Yes, we will provide our same reference hours and assistance throughout the renovation. Reference will be located in the Quad Stop during renovation, with the rest of the Library services.
The College Archives will be located in the Publications Room in Hicks Center. As with the library’s circulating collection, some of the Archives collection will be inaccessible in storage during construction. Frequently used items (such as yearbooks, back issues of the Index, old college catalogs, and some photographs) will be available during the temporary relocation.
We will continue to provide copiers throughout the renovation. A copier will be available in the Library portion of the temporary space in the Quad Stop
No furniture will be sold or given away at this time. Various furniture needs on campus will be
considered before any library furniture is sold.
1. Information Services staff will use some furniture during
their temporary relocation in Hicks and the Carriage House.
2. College needs will be granted priority.
Several areas on campus have furniture needs, including student
organizations and residence halls.
3. The library will make every effort to donate shelving and library specific
furniture to other libraries in need.
4. After Commencement, when Information Services has moved into Hicks, we will price the remainder of the furniture for sale or auction. At that time, furniture will be available for sale to individuals.
The Stone Room will be available as a study area for students.
During the renovation the current computer labs will be open as usual.
Where will the Information Services staff members be?
Library staff members will be located in the Quad Stop. All Library services will continue to operate in the Quad Stop area. A portion of the Reference Collection will also be available in the Quad Stop during building renovation. Electronic access to catalogs, indexes, and databases will be also be available.
The Archivist (Liz Smith) will be in the Publications Room in Hicks.
Lisa Palchick will be in the Quadstop area in Hicks
Media Services (Julie Hartenberger) will be in the Publications Room in Hicks.
Other members of Curricular Support will be split between the Phoneathon Room and the Carriage House. This includes:
Help Desk: Peter Zillmann (Phoneathon)
Associate Director: Don Mack (Phoneathon)
Lab Technician: Russell Cooper (Phoneathon)
Curricular Support Specialist: Kathryn Lightcap (Carriage House)
Video Specialist: Dhera Strauss (Carriage House)
Administrative Computing and Networking will be located in the Publications Room in Hicks.
Web Services will be located in the Carriage House.
The artwork on the walls in the library will be temporarily stored at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.