The second floor of the library holds services such as tutoring, a statistic assistance center, an audio lab and other resources that will soon receive a facelift.
Ben Hunter, associate dean of university libraries, said the renovations on the second floor are to make it more like the first floor. The carpet will be redone, there will be new chairs and some electrical work will be done so more power can get to the second floor.
“The furniture up there is more of a grab bag. Well some of its over 100 years old. Those giant tables actually go back to the library back when we were in the Administration Building,” Hunter said.
Hunter said the new furniture will be in the same style and color scheme as the first floor. They are also looking to get more moveable whiteboards for students to use.
The renovations include regular maintence and upkeep which is necessary said Kimberly Foster, reference and instruction librarian.
Joleen Evans | Argonaut
Senior Trevor McEvers works on his homework Wednesday afternoon on the second floor of the UI Library.
Foster said the magazines and newspapers which are usually on the second floor have been moved to the first floor for students.
One concern with the renovations is the classroom on the second floor. Foster said she teaches some English 102 classes during library week, when students go to the library to learn skills they will need in their research.
Foster said they have been cautious about scheduling classes on the second floor because of the renovations and have gotten most of the classes scheduled on the first floor.
“Right now, we’re still waiting to find out the official timeline, we’ve set everything up for bid. We think we have a successful bid. The next step for us is to start the timeline. We’re hoping that we’ll be able to start in February and we expect that construction will take two to three months,” Hunter said.
The timeline may be optimistic, but Hunter said it is also reasonable.
The floor will be completely closed for the beginning of the remodel, but the library is trying to minimize the impact to students by opening the floor up in stages Hunter said.
The services offered will be moved so they are not interrupted said Hunter. The changes to the location will be announced once they are decided and students will see signs.
“What we’re really trying to do is make the second and first floor match as a pair,” Hunter said.
Kali Nelson can be reached at [email protected]