Though Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library is only four months into its estimated 18-month renovation, it is open and ready for students to use its abundant wealth of resources.
“Students and faculty will be happy to know that Java City is scheduled to open during the first week of classes,” said Harriet Deason, director of administrative services for University Libraries. “The music library entrance in Java City will be open at the start of classes as well.
“All materials that were located in construction-affected areas where we have had to build barriers are available. Some have been reshelved within Gorgas, and others have been temporarily moved to our annex facility. Our staff can assist patrons looking for items that have been relocated.”
Deason said the second-floor circulation desk is still loaning specialized equipment, such as laptops, high-definition video cameras, lighting and sound equipment. For more information on renting specialized equipment from the library, visit the library’s equipment page or phone 205-348-9748.
Group study rooms are still accessible on the second floor, and, though the 80-year-old library’s central areas have construction barriers, computers are still available on the first and third floors.
What’s changed and is still changing?
Java City has been renovated with final touches happening this week. The ceilings, walls and floors have been replaced, and new plumbing, drains, electrical and data lines, countertops and sales kiosks have been installed, according to the Gorgas Library Renovation blog. Also, a movable security gate and workspace have been put in place.
Projects that are ongoing include:
- Renovating restrooms on the first floor, which will be completed by the end of September. At the start of classes, restrooms are available on floors 2M, 3 and 4M.
- Installing a new larger service elevator making it ADA compliant, with projected completion in late spring or mid-summer.
- Installing the second floor meeting room, which will double the size of what was formerly Room 205. It is scheduled for completion by the end of November.
- Creating a new circulation service point on the second floor, which is scheduled for a Nov. 15 completion.
- Replacing the main elevators one at a time to ensure uninterrupted service. This project is scheduled for completion by July 2020.
“While the work underway is noisy, it should be less noisy after 6 p.m., ” Deason said. “We have free ear plugs for students at all of our service points to help mitigate sound issues.
“For students who would prefer a quieter space to work during the day, we recommend going to the Bruno Business Library or the Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering.”
Art for Walls
Deason said student artists created artwork on several construction barriers during the summer, and, if other students are interested in additional art opportunities, they may contact her at 205-348-5540 or hdeason@ua.edu.