Renovation Overview
November 2009 Update:
The Olin renovation project has been cancelled. On October 22, the Buildings and Properties Committee of the Board of Trustees authorized design and enabling work for a fire safety improvements only project for Olin Library. The design development phase began on November 5. A website for the new project is under construction.
September 2009 Update:
The Olin renovation project has been deferred. Currently, the University is exploring the feasibility of a reduced-scope project focused on fire safety. The project team plans to present recommendations to the Capital Funding and Priorities Committee sometime later this fall. For more information see http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/Aug09/OlinLibrary.html.
February 2009:
The Olin Library Renovation Project will address very serious life safety/fire protection deficiencies, bring the building to code compliance, replace the poorly functioning heating and ventilation system, and in the process, improve the library's ability to facilitate research, teaching, and learning. The project will be completed in two phases. While the Olin Library project is currently on hold as part of the comprehensive review of capital projects, the University recognizes the importance of renovating Olin and remains committed to proceeding with this capital project. We are optimistic that we will receive authorization in the coming months to complete construction/bid documents.
Project Scope:
The first phase of the renovation will include floors 3-8 of the Olin "stack tower" and is estimated to last approximately two years. During that time, floors 3-7 will be closed. In addition to addressing life safety and environmental upgrades, the renovation effort is based on the following goals:
- enhancing support for faculty and students, and research in general
- maintaining the current collection size within Olin/Uris libraries
- enhancing and increasing the number of research studies
- upgrading the research carrels and subject reading rooms
- increasing the number of classrooms (from 3 to 5)
- creating much-needed spaces for collaborative group work
- providing high speed Internet access throughout the building (Ezranet)
Access and Services During Renovation:
The lower levels of Olin Library (basement through 2nd floor) will be available during construction, and we will be using those floors and Uris Library to provide essential services and to house as much of the collection on site as possible. We will be expediting document/book delivery from the Annex for those materials that need to be located there. Within the limits of what is possible, we will also provide space for graduate student carrels, graduate research rooms, and faculty work spaces.
Your Input is Welcome:
Olin Library plays a crucial role in the recruitment and retention of top faculty and students in the humanities and social sciences. The renovation process has been informed by numerous focus groups and surveys. We continue to welcome your input on ways to mitigate the impact of any disruption on your work, given the life safety imperative, fiscal constraints, and space considerations associated with the renovation.
If you have any questions about the planned renovation, please contact the Olin Renovation Committee at RenovateOlinLibrary@cornell.edu <mailto:RenovateOlinLibrary@cornell.edu>.