Norlin Library Construction
Welcome! This webpage is intended to provide updates and details about ongoing construction in Norlin Library, including the Learning Commons (almost ready), Research Center (already in service) and Graduate Study Suite (now underway).
First Floor: Learning Commons (15,050 square feet)
Construction: January - June 2009. Status: Nearing completion.
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 renovated space greatly expands student study areas. This will be open 24 hours a day. We anticipate occupancy in Summer 2009.
Flexible work spaces will include:
- Collaborative work spaces
- Individual work spaces
- Team technology rooms
- The Writing Center
- Hot topics reading area
- A technology classroom
- A coffee shop
Norlin Plaza: Sundial Area
Construction: June - August 2009. Status: Underway.
The plaza is being renovated and upgraded as part of the Learning Commons project. The plaza will include different levels of tables and chairs similar to the UMC fountain area. Each grouping will include electrical outlets for laptop computers. The entire plaza will have wireless connectivity. The sundial will have a circular fountain. Perimeter lighting will be installed as well. These additions require extensive electrical and plumbing work, now underway.
Perimeter seating, which was coming apart in places, will be reinstalled. The plaza area will be extended to include the new Learning Commons entrance. The plaza's new surface will consist of pavers, interspersed with text on flagstone.
Beyond the surface improvements, this project will also fix some drainage problems in the plaza itself.
Facman is in charge of this project and construction is underway. It is anticipated the Sundial Plaza will be completed by the end of August.
First Floor: East Lobby Firewall
Construction: June - July 2009. Status: Underway.
A fire barrier will be erected in the east lobby of Norlin Library. This project is separate from, but concurrent with, other construction now occuring in Norlin Library.
Second Floor: Research Center (7,770 square feet)
Construction: May 2008 - January 2009. Status: Completed.
The second floor east-central section has been reconfigured into a Research Center including the main research desk, reference collection, and periodical collection. The Research Center also houses the East Asian Collection. The Research Center includes research consultation rooms and new instruction classrooms. This area opened for service on January 20, 2009.
Other features of the Research Center include:
- Consolidated service point for research assistance
- Photocopiers, printers, scanners, microfilm readers
- Library instruction classrooms
- Research consultation rooms
- Individual and group spaces
Third Floor: Graduate Student Study Suite
Construction: May - July 2009. Status: Under construction.
The present Mac Lab has been integrated into the first floor Learning Commons. The former lab space is being reconfigured and transformed into a study suite for graduate students. Grad students will have access to this space in Fall 2009.
Summary
The combination of the Learning Commons, Research floor, and Graduate Student Suite 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.
Campus Partners Architects, Consultants, & Construction Co.
2 April 2009
Steady progress is being made in the Commons construction.
Stone work is complete at the new entrance and the scaffolding has been removed.
In the Commons itself, nearly all of the drywall work is complete and the contractor is starting to paint. Storefront glass partitions and doors are starting to arrive and some carpet has been installed.
The Laughing Goat is also starting to schedule installation of the cafe counter and fixtures for mid-May.
We have not received a date by which we can occupy the Commons but it is likely to be sometime in May.
The Mac Lab (N310) will CLOSE at the end of the day on Friday, May 8 (Graduation Day). We expect ITS to remove computers and furniture from that space the week of May 11. Work will likely start on the 3rd floor then on Monday May 18. There may be some minor fluctuation of these dates but the good news is that the Mac Lab will stay open through the end of the semester and we should not have major moves or changes during the Finals period.
In related news, this week Facilities held the pre-bid meeting with contractors who intend to bid on the Sundial Plaza renovation. This work is still scheduled to go ahead starting sometime in May
26 February 2009
Progress on the building/remodeling: We are nearly 60% completed with the entire project. An official opening will take place after the Plaza construction is completed; after the Laughing Goat café is open; after services are established in the new space; after the refinished tables have been moved into the 2nd floor, etc. Work on the Plaza is expected to begin in Mid-May, and will probably take most of the summer.
20 January 2009
The first component of Norlin renovation is open! The Research Center on Norlin's second floor opened to the public today.Work on the Norlin Learning Commons is underway!
17 December 2008
The Procurement Service Center completed our contract with Laughing Goat Coffeehouse to serve as the vendor providing café services in the new Learning Commons. Laughing Goat, a locally-owned coffeehouse located at 17th & Pearl in downtown Boulder, offers fair trade, organic, and locally-produced products as much as possible. Early in the new year, we will begin working with Laughing Goat, Facilities, and our architect to complete design and integration of the café facility in the Commons.
15 December 2008
Research & Information Services, Periodicals and the East Asian collections will occupy the newly renovated second research area on Norlin's second floor. At this time, we anticipate moving into the space in time for the opening of Spring 2009. The space vacated by Research & Instruction Services on the first floor will then be converted for the new Norlin Learning Commons.
15 October 2008
Power will be out THIS FRI evening, Oct 17, and most of SAT, Oct 18, on Norlin's SECOND and THIRD FLOORS, due to construction. Lights will remain on during this time; however, students will not be able to plug in laptops, or any other electrical appliances. There will be no phone service to the area. Computer labs should not be affected. Computers in offices will also be unavailable. Wireless access may be out as well. Other unexpected outages are also possible during this time. Government Publications, Science, and study rooms, printers and card machines in those areas will be affected. The Government Publications reference desk will be closed Saturday. Special Collections will not be affected. There are no fire or safety issues. Thank you for your patience as we continue to make improvements to your library!
17 September 2008
2nd Floor: Work is proceeding on schedule. We anticipate moving Research & Instruction and Periodicals into the renovated space in late-November. The area vacated by Research & Instruction will be converted into the Norlin Commons -- a 24/7 study area.
16 July 2008
2nd Floor: Demolition work continues in the former Periodicals Room and semi-permanent dust walls are under construction now around the former Study Area.
4th Floor: Work will likely start on the 4th floor on Thursday July 17. Administrative Services is prepared for the work to begin.
7 July 2008
The White Construction Group has started demolition in the former Periodicals Room. The staging area in the plaza should go up very soon.
11 June 2008
The construction contract was signed June 10. The notice to proceed has been issued. Our contractor is the White Construction Group. They are based in Castle Rock and have done other renovation projects on campus. The pre-construction meeting was held on Monday, June 9. The purpose of this meeting was primarily to review Facilities' standard procedures and guidelines related to construction on campus. Weekly campus construction progress meetings are scheduled and we have also scheduled weekly meetings of the Norlin Construction Committee. White Construction will draft a schedule. The construction committees will review and dates will be shared when we have more information.
Service Relocations
Research & Information, Periodicals Collection and the East Asian Collection have moved to Norlin's second floor Research Center.
Interlibrary Loan services are available at the Circulation Desk.
The Writing Center has moved to M250 opposite the West Entance. For information about appointments, hours, and services visit the The Writing Center website.
Testing and Assessment has moved to E203.
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.
Press Coverage
Norlin Library: Under Construction
Big changes mean added stress during finalsNewsTeam Boulder, December 2, 2008
Did You Know? Ink spot Closing
Inside CU, July 15, 2008
Modernizing Norlin: A library for the 21st century
Daily Camera, June 7, 2008
Norlin Learning Commons: Innovative Learning Spaces
Ooneonone/Information Technology Services, Spring 2008, p. 2
Norlin revitalized: Library will be renovated again this summer
Campus Press, March 20, 2008
Student Learning Commons, Cypercafe in First Phase
Silver and Gold, February 28, 2008
Round the Clock Studying
Campus Press, November 30, 2007
Coffee shops changing libraries
Daily Camera, November 4, 2007
Campus Communications
Periodicals Room Project Update
Administrative E-Memo, February 13, 2008
Current Library Public Services Transition
Administrative E-Memo, October 22, 2007
Periodicals / Journals / Serials
During construction a number of Norlin's journals and serials will not be physically accessible to our patrons. 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:
Drawings & Plans
View the construction plans and drawings in the slideshow below. Drawings and plans are provided by H+L Architects. Check back soon! Scroll down further to view historical photos of Norlin's architectural record. And for day to day photos of the construction progress visit the construction flickr album.
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.
