Expansion Overview (Short Version)

Compromise
In 1991 the Trustees approved the strategic plan for library space that called for the building of a new Library Annex and for no new construction on campus after 2000 for the endowed libraries and after 2011 for the statutory libraries. Expanding the Library Annex was a compromise between the concerns of the University Administration and the Trustees about funding and campus space and the Library Administration's interest in caring for the collection and providing services to users.

Construction
After a lengthy planning and approval process, construction of the new Annex began in April 1997 and was completed in March 1998. The move of one million volumes began in late May of 1998. For more detailed information, consult the Construction Schedule & Photo Album.

Selection Strategies
There are two selection strategies in use. In one, selectors review items based on checking the stacks with or without a list of material that has not been checked out online. In the other strategy, items are identified through a computer generated list of works published before a specified date that have not circulated online. Each library's specific strategy is outlined in the document "Summary of Selection Methods and Quantity of Material by Library".

Project Schedule
In April 1997, staff began marking, barcoding, and boxing material in preparation for the move. The move itself began on May 24, 1998.

Services
Users can request material by telephone, e-mail, a Web-based request form, or in person at the Annex. The staff retrieve items which users can check out from the Annex directly, use in the new Annex reading room, or pick-up at any library on campus. The only exception is archival materials, which must be used in a designated reading room on campus. The Annex is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Requested items are delivered within 24 hours. Scanning, printing, fax, Ariel, microfilm and microfiche services are also available. If an item is requested multiple times, the selector will be asked to decide if it should be permanently returned to campus.