GOAL VI: Create and maintain a physical environment that fosters learning and research through enhanced intellectual discourse and exploration.

1. Agree on minimum standards and phase-in an implementation program to ensure all libraries provide a safe environment for both individuals and materials.

STATUS:
CUL completed and submitted an emergency preparedness plan, part of a university-wide effort to develop emergency preparedness plans in response to a recommendation of the Kroll Report on Campus Vulnerability Assessment and continues to work closely with the university-wide effort to maintain emergency preparedness. The Library is part of a campus committee charged with updating and reviewing emergency procedures, as well as maintaining a web-based emergency instructional manual.  Evacuation drills continue for all library buildings. All new employees are given a brochure about evacuation and safety procedures by Library Human Resources.

2. Construct a second high-density storage module at the Library Annex in a timely manner, ensuring that this next module will be operational at the time it is initially needed.

STATUS:
In spring, 2004, the University approved a Project Approval Request for the construction of three additional high-bay storage modules for the Library Annex.  The schedule forecasts that the modules will be constructed by August 2005.  Given financial constraints only one storage module will be fully operational by August 2005.  The other two modules will be constructed but the full "fit-out” of shelving will not occur until such time that additional storage space is needed.

3. Phase in renovations in Olin and Uris libraries on the basis of the Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson and Abbott reconceptualization study.

STATUS:
In the spring of 2003, the University approved a Project Approval Request to begin schematic design for the renovation of floors 3 through 8 in Olin Library. The schematic design was completed in early winter 2004. The University’s approval of the construction of a $10.5 facility to expand the capacity of the Library Annex is a necessary step in the Olin renovation process.

4. Identify appropriate benchmarks for technological infrastructure needed to support multiple, and even unexpected, uses and provide resources to ensure that this level is available in all libraries.

STATUS:
CUL, in cooperation with CIT, completed the second phase of the installation of a wireless infrastructure in all library units in 2003 providing 100% wireless coverage in all public library spaces. Most of the smaller units have 100% coverage throughout both public and private spaces.

"Ezra Net", a campus-wide effort to update the wire plant within all buildings began in 2003/04 fiscal year.  The Law Library, located in Myron Taylor was included in first phase of this upgrade and now has full 100MEG capabilities via CAT 6 cabling.  Current plans for 2004/05 call for a similar upgrade to Clark Hall which houses the Physical Sciences Library. In addition, CIT has begun to upgrade all campus wireless access points in 2004/05.

5.Create flexible spaces that by their size, furnishings, and orientation encourage exploration, innovation, and customization in all modes of information exchange, including individual, collaborative, and classroom.

STATUS:
CUL recently completed or is nearing completion of a number of projects to create spaces that encourage information exchange in various modes.

  • Adelson Library: On May 5, 2004, the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology’s Adelson Library opened its doors, making its collection of 10,000 bird books available to the public for the first time. With an expansive view of Sapsucker Woods Pond from above, the library is located on the second floor of the Lab’s Imogene Powers Johnson Center for Birds and Biodiversity.
  • Africana Library: design and construction documents were completed with the construction of a new library within the newly reconstructed African Center scheduled to begin at the end of the summer 2004.
  • Annex Library: design and construction documents were completed in spring 2004 for the construction of three additional high-bay storage modules for the Library Annex with construction scheduled to begin in summer 2004. (see VI.2)
  • Engineering Library: design and construction documents were completed for the renovation of the reading, reference, periodical and circulation areas; construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2004.
  • Fine Arts Library: the main reading room of the Fine Arts was reconfigured in 2002-03, a new reference desk was installed along with new, attractive shelving for the reference collection and current periodicals. The staff areas were also renovated with updated, ergonomically correct furniture and the circulation desk was repainted. New furniture and new public computers were added to the overall upgrade to the library as was the installation of new carpet;
  • The ILR Library construction and renovation project which began in 1994, was completed in summer 2003 resulting in a doubling of library program space to 60,000 square feet with a state-of-the-art telecommunications and environmental infrastructure.
  • Mann Library: renovation of the original library began in the late fall of 2003, this being phase II of a major library expansion project. Completion is slated for 2006/07.
  • Olin Library
    • The first floor renovation successfully integrated contemporary information technologies, the printed reference collection, and public services.
    • The schematic design for the renovation of floors 3-8 was completed in early 2004.
    • Olin Kroch and Uris (OKU) Libraries Media Moves, a major relocation and renovation project, was completed in Spring 2004. This involved approximately 80 staff and 30,000 sq. ft.  The project entailed 1) the integration of the majority of the OKU media collections within the B1 level of Olin;. 2) converting prime first floor space occupied by staff into a current periodical and same-day newspaper reading room on the first floor of Olin.  3) consolidating the remaining newspaper collection into the B1 reading area
    • New building signage was installed in Olin Library to make resources more visible and easier to find
    • A project sponsored jointly by the Classics Department and CUL resulted in significant improvements to the Classics Seminar Room in Olin Library. Along with beautiful new tables and chairs, carpeting and expanded room for materials, are new study carrels for graduate students in Classics
    • The Physical Sciences Library completed renovating and remodeling both staff and public space in 2003.  The new, inviting public space now includes soft seating and a new reading area as well as a CreationStation with software specific to finding and developing materials in the physical sciences.
  • Uris Library
      • The Kinkeldey Room in Uris Library was reopened in February 2003 for use following extensive renovations that returned the room to its former use as a place for quiet study;
      • The Instruction staff offices were renovated.
      • Design and construction documents have been completed, and construction begun on the Cornell Library Cooperative Learning Computer Laboratory, a new teaching and learning space focused on the collaborative use of high-end computing.  The lab will be opened at the start of the 2004 fall semester. (see V.3)

6.Conduct feasibility studies for unit libraries as appropriate.

STATUS:

CUL is working on a feasibility study for housing the Language Learning Center (LRC) in Olin Library.  The study is considering how the LRC can be co-joined with Iris' Media Center to create an exciting teaching and learning space on the B1 level of Olin Level l.

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