Mearns Update March 13, 2008

Wendie McHenry, Assistant University Librarian, sends the following.

Work on the Mearns Centre for Learning continues. Here is a quick progress report:

Entrance Canopy

The concrete for the columns will be finished this week. The remaining work on the canopy will continue for several weeks.

Lobby

This area will be refurbished to reflect the design of the new spaces. The design will incorporate recognition plaques for Thomas McPherson and William Mearns. A new bulletin board and additional lighting will also be installed. The exterior doors will be replaced and Facilities Management is working to remedy the problems with the interior set of doors. The Access Services staff are to be commended for dealing with the door problem on an ongoing basis.

Café

The cork floor is finished and installation of the furniture will begin Thursday, March 13th. Food Services will be setting up operations over the next week so we anticipate a "soft opening" the week of March 25th.

Group Study Rooms

The study rooms are now operational. With the addition of the new group study rooms on main and the re-opening of the second floor rooms, there are now a total of twelve rooms available for online booking.

Second Floor Shelving

Stack Maintenance staff are planning the book shift into the new shelving area. Once finalized, the plan will be announced.

Continuing Studies Offices

Work in this area is finished and staff in this unit will hopefully have some peace and quiet. It has been a very long and disruptive period for the staff who have demonstrated great patience and flexibility.

Third Floor Galleria

The stairway to the new 3rd floor is now open. This level offers seating along the corridor and washroom facilities. However, the unfinished space beyond the doors marked "emergency entrance" is out of bounds for safety and security reasons.

Third floor sorting area

Renovation of the sorting area and the new shelving area continues. This work is scheduled for completion at the beginning of April. Installation of the shelving will follow.

Signs and Maps

New signs are being developed and floor maps of the new area will soon be available.

Landscaping

Landscaping of the east area around the retention pond will start next week.

* * * * *

The staff are settling in and adjusting to their new areas. There are many details to finalize and a few more moves to complete.

We can all look forward to a Staff Celebration (date to be announced) as well as the grand opening on May 6th.