Wednesday, April 26, 2006

new study space opens

we're really excited about a new study space in the fine arts library! this "lounge" provides a place for clients to study independently or in small groups, or just relax between classes. the lounge offers comfortable seating, tables, lighting, outlets and wireless signal for laptops. this space has already been a huge hit. we're pleased to have the opportunity to exhibit (in this space and other areas of the fine arts library) artwork of Artist-in-Residence, Professor Karl Umlauf.





new listening/viewing stations

five of the listening/viewing stations have been outfitted with state-of-the-art computer equipment. each station includes networked Mac Minis and 20 inch Apple Cinema Displays. At these stations, clients can listen to CDs, watch DVDs, and access the Fine Arts Library's online audio reserves.


the minis are coming! the minis are coming!





electricity fills the air as the new mac minis arrive in the fine arts library!

Thursday, January 12, 2006

room with a view




the new location for the reference collection and a view across the center from the reference collection

the new listening/viewing stations






view of the new stations before the equipment goes in

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

the amazing transformation










Tuesday, January 10, 2006

ready or not, here we come

classes started monday and while we weren't completely finished with the renovation, at least the floor was done and the paint was dry! we finished moving the last of about 30,000 LPs monday morning and finished moving back in the reference collection this morning.

as clients made their first journey in the fine arts library this semester, we've had lots of "ooooo"s and "ahhhh"s (and also some folks that look confused, as if they'd gotten off the elevator on the wrong floor by mistake).

there are a couple significant changes still to happen in the renovation:

tomorrow morning, the furniture for the new listening/viewing stations will be installed. the Herman Miller "pods" will be a striking addition to the space and we're anxious for our clients to break them in (well not BREAK them!). currently the "pod space" is a big open floor with a cool pattern in the tile. so far, most people think we've installed a dance floor (disco, ballroom, and contra dance clubs are lining up at the door as i type this!).

the new pods will provide really cool, open, inviting space to listen/view/study. the pods will be state-of-the-art and offer sound masking technology (so that noisy person in the next pod won't distract you!). the pods will provide equipment to listen or view any of the media formats housed in the crouch library: CD, DVD, video cassette, laserdisc, LP, audio cassette (sorry, no 8-tracks, wax cylinders, or wire recordings in our collections!). the stations will provide great workspace for materials and score study and great new seating. if you want to impress your friends, let them see you studying here!! :-)

the other significant change wasn't part of the original plan, but a late-breaking result of pooling the brain trust and striving to provide a variety of library spaces for our clients (students, faculty, staff, community members, guests).

a once under-utilized room that has served as, among other things, an accidental storage facility for obsolete equipment, random shelving parts, broken furniture, etc. (think Land of Misfit Toys), is now becoming an inviting space for indepent and/or group study. perfect for taking a break from an afternoon of nonstop Wagner opera listening, or to exchange ideas about Baroque musical ideals with classmates, you won't want to miss this great addition to the library. (though don't start lining up for the tour...this component won't be completed for several more weeks).

Saturday, January 07, 2006

what?!? no PHOTOS?!?!

over the past two days, the crouch staff has been working so feverishly that there hasn't even been time to take photos. i don't think any of us sat down in the past two days either! here's a quick update on the action the past two days:

flooring finished (not a second too soon!)
reference shelves went to their new location
LP shelving and most of the LPs go back in place,
service desk back in operation
study tables back in
reference collection starts its return journey

Thursday, December 29, 2005

listening/viewing stations

the new furniture for the listening/viewing stations are scheduled for installation on january 11th. the center will consist of herman miller resolve system furniture which will will provide an open and inviting space in which to listen to and watch recordings and study musical scores. the new stations will sit in the area closest to the service desk (in the former location of the reference collection, which will now be located in the old listening/viewing carrels area).

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

flooring

looks like the new flooring will begin next week!

the paint goes down

this is an video post - click to play

taking up the floor

this is an video post - click to play

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

back to work!




Stephen and Rachel work on getting course reserves ready for the spring

taking it all in






the changes were fast and furious today and lots of people found themselves staring in amazement!

speechless



student worker Jessica contemplates the new surroundings?







painters start the "new look"

pulling the rug out from under us



the flooring folks remove all the old carpet

getting busy






electricians finish
disconnecting
service desk

Monday, December 19, 2005

a random quote

i saw this quote on another blog (referring to the library at Siam University), but i thought it sounded like something our own library clients will be saying when we complete the renovation!

"i like to go to library everyday because i feel
quite comfortable with the good facilities"

a most (in)significant journey

this is an video post - click to play

the last carrels to escape the demolition crew travels to the far ends of the 3rd floor to join it's brothers and sisters.

don't try this at home

this is an video post - click to play

crouch staffers take a surfing break from rigorous moving

the lonely service desk

this is an video post - click to play

the service desk is cleared and dismantled so it can be moved for flooring work

goodbye carrels, pt. 1

this is an video post - click to play

the last hurrah for the old listening carrels

goodbye carrels, pt. 2

this is an video post - click to play

goodbye carrels, pt. 3

this is an video post - click to play