Norlin Library Construction

Welcome! This webpage is intended to provide updates and details surrounding the upcoming construction and new Library Learning Commons, Research Floor, and Graduate Study Space! View updated plans & photos!

The Learning Commons is a joint project of the University Libraries and Information Technology Services. The renovation aims to create a learning library that integrates technology in a flexible innovative design. The blending of ITS and the libraries will give students seamless access to information sources and productivity tools. Through the merging of content, technology, and services the new space will enable the full continuum of student learning and discovery.

 

The First Floor Learning Commons, 15,050 square feet, will include:

• Flexible work spaces
• Collaborative work spaces
• Individual work spaces
• Team technology rooms
• The Writing Center
• Hot topics reading area
• A technology classroom
• A coffee shop

In addition to the Learning Commons, Norlin's second floor will undergo redesign. The second floor will be reconfigured into a Research Floor including the main research desk, reference collection, and periodical collection. Other features of the Research floor, 7,770 square feet, will include:

• Consolidated service point for research assistance
• Photocopiers, printers, scanners, microfilm readers
• Library instruction classrooms
• Research consultation rooms
• Individual and group spaces

Finally, the 3rd floor Mac Lab will be redesigned into independent graduate study carrels replacing the significantly outdated carrels on the fifth floor.

The combination of the Learning Commons, Research floor, and Graduate Student space will work to meet the research and information needs of the campus community in a new revitalized library, while still celebrating the heritage of the building.

Important Dates

• November 2007- Design Review
• January 2008- Document Review
• May 2008- Bid
• June 2008- Construction Begins
• Summer 2009 Completion

View more details about Norlin's Architectural Record

Questions, Comments, Feedback

Norlin Library Program Plan

The planning document on which the project was originally based. Many of the concepts and objectives for the revitalized Norlin Library are drawn from this document; however, some of the specific details have shifted.

 

Presentation- Models of Learning Commons

A presentation by Caroline Sinkinson and Jennifer Knievel that demonstrates learning commons models around the country. And describes our goals and vision of this project. (slideshare)

 

Presentation- So it Begins . . .

A presentation by Caroline Sinkinson and Jennifer Knievel that demonstrates the current plans with images from other libraries representing furniture, concepts, and models.

 

More examples of other Learning Commons

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News Coverage

Norlin revitalized: Library will be renovated again this summer,Campus Press 3/20/08

Student Learning Commons, Cypercafe in First Phase, Silver and Gold 2/28

Round the Clock Studying, Campus Press

Coffee shops changing libraries, Daily Camera

Campus Communications

Current Library Public Services Transition 10/22/2007

Periodicals Room Project Update 2/13/2008

How do I retrieve articles during construction?

Questions, Comments, Feedback

Please pardon our dust as we work to make Norlin Library a better place to work, study, and be.

 

During construction a number of Norlin's journals and serials will not be physically accessible to our patrons. However, we are working to maintain as much access as possible to the content of our periodicals collection. You will be able to request copies of specific articles and journals. For more details and assistance, please visit the How do I retrieve articles during construction page.

NORLIN REVITALIZED 2008

This slide show will be updated with images of Norlin Library's Revitalization as they become available. Drawings and plans are provided by H+L Architects. Check back soon!

 

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

View images of construction projects from Norlin's past. These images have been borrowed from Scott Seaman's presentation, Norlin's Architectural History. View his complete presentation with a historical overview of images displayed here. The presentation is best viewed in Internet Explorer.

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