Library Renovations - Updates

UAMS Library 2012 Renovations

During the past year, a tremendous amount of renovation has occurred within the Library to increase study space for students and to make the Library better for all who use it.  Below is a summary of the renovations occurring throughout the year, and others that are in process or being planned.

Renovations/Improvements Completed:

1st floor

  • Constructed the Active Learning Center (192 seats)
  • Enclosed SE corner to create a better study area (added to 24/7 space)
  • Renovated and converted four offices into study areas (24 seats; added to 24/7 space)

2nd floor

  • Removed stacks to enlarge study area on north end   
  • Removed stacks to add an Interprofessional Education office

(will be converted to a study room in three years)

  • Renovated three group study rooms and added large monitors
  • Recarpeted study area

3rd floor

  • Removed stacks at south end and built quiet study room (50 seats, variety of seating)
  • Removed stacks on north end to create another new study area (20 seats)
  • Rearranged space in the northwest corner to create a better study area
  • Renovated four group study rooms and 2 AV group rooms and added large monitors
  • Recarpeted north end

5th floor

  • Recarpeted all of 5th floor Learning Resource Center (LRC)
  • Removed gates and large desk in entrance to LRC to provide more student space

Miscellaneous

  • Replaced 100 35-year-old chairs with new chairs on 2nd and 3rd floors, and redistributed old chairs and other unused furniture to other campus units
  • Upgraded security camera system, which is now connected to the UAMS Police system
  • Weeded and reorganized print journal and book collection (140,000 volumes) for better access
  • The number of new seats added is 225, a 50% increase over the previous number

In Process or in the Planning Stage:
               
Recarpet stairs on 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors – in process (estimate completion by end of December)
Add artwork throughout the Library – in process
Enclose walkway on 5th floor with glass to reduce noise – cost estimate requested
                Build wall on 5th to separate office from study area – cost estimate requested
                Renovate Library elevator to improve efficiency and reduce noise – approved for Summer 2013
Renovate front entrance and put carpet over brick to reduce noise – in planning stage

Thank you for your patience during all of these changes.  If you have suggestions about other changes that can be made to improve the Library’s appearance or functionality, please let me know. 

Mary Ryan, UAMS Library Director
686-6730 or ryanmaryl@uams.edu