Changes are coming to the John Martin Rare Book Room (JMRBR) in the Hardin Library for the Health Sciences that will provide researchers more access to books and space for hosting classes and events.
A new, separate reading room will be constructed in the area just outside of the current JMRBR as part of a larger project to renovate the fourth floor of the library. The current JMRBR will be converted to a shelving space, helping to maintain the security and preservation of all JMRBR materials.
Access to the JMRBR collection will be limited during the remodel, but Curator Damien Ihrig will be available to assist researchers and instructors with their needs. Requests to use material will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The project is expected to begin in June 2023, with completion anticipated during spring 2024.
Additional work on the fourth floor as part of the larger area remodel project is moving forward, with much needed updates being made to individual studies as well as the open study areas. To accommodate the change, print books published before 2010 have been moved to the Library Annex, where they can be easily and quickly retrieved.
The fourth floor improvements are made possible by a generous grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. The JMRBR improvements are made possible with support from the Friends of the UI Libraries.
Hardin Library is also undergoing a refresh in other areas and remodeled restrooms are now available on the third and fourth floors of the building near the elevators. In addition, work has started on the 24-hour study restrooms and progress is being made on the first and second floor restrooms.