Early next month, work will begin on an ambitious refurbishing project that will give a much needed face-lift to the third floor public service area of the Hardin Library. The project will include new carpeting throughout and a newly designed service desk that will provide a unified location for circulation, reserve, and reference. Visitors to the library will enjoy new study tables in front of the picture windows overlooking the pedestrian mall. In addition, the old-fashioned turnstile gates will also be replaced with a state-of-the art security system. The new arrangement will present a much more “open” setting for our users and will make optimum use of outside lighting and new furnishings for a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.
The project also provides for new and more spacious quarters for our Interlibrary Loan Department which will be located adjacent to the Administrative Offices and closer to the rest of the staff areas. Our users will also notice a decrease in noise since the reshelving area will be moved from its present location near the study tables to a room behind the service desk.
The work is scheduled for completion before the beginning of fall classes so the considerable construction disruption will take place during the summer months. During this time we will make every effort to keep our all services going with smiles on our faces. Financial support for the project is coming from the Hardin Library Development Fund and the University Libraries.
