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Ekstrom Library

Ekstrom Library 1 East Renovation Project: Photographs

In 2014-2015 Ekstrom Library renovated its first floor east side. View the project description, timeline, documents, and photographs.

Entrance

Challenges: Noisy cobblestones and hard surfaces that amplify sound; obscured sight lines; and, the Browsing Collection’s serene ambiance in a busy and frequently busy space.

Solutions: We replaced the cobblestone with terrazzo; removed the staircase to improve sight lines; and moved the Browsing Collection to one of the quiet study floors.

old entry
new entry

North

Challenges: Limited seating; prime traffic area; and a service point (Media Resources) without a clear understanding of what can be done there.

Solutions: Removed a wall that blocked natural light; added significantly more seating to create a flexible group study area; and moved Media Resources and combined it with Circulation to form the new Access & User Services department..

old Media Resources area
new open group study area

South

Challenges: Users who have different needs (group vs. individual work); a service point with limited visibility from the east entrance or any major traffic patterns; and, a beloved quiet study space (because of the natural light)

Solutions: We removed the reference desk and renovated the offices to bring the Research office entry up to the edge of the foyer; Installed a new technology assistance standing desk in the computer area; Moved the reference and map collections to another floor; Moved the University Writing Center into this area; and created additional group study rooms as well as individual study spaces.

old reference area
new Research Assistance office and Writing Center

More Post-Renovation Photos

reno
reno
new Writing Center
group study room
media viewing room
individual study area