Volume 2, Issue 2, Spring 2000

Oak Street News

Oak Street News The Library is bulging at the seams and a solution is in sight! Keep an eye on Oak Street for construction of the Library's new high-density storage facility, which is scheduled to begin this spring. Located between John and Daniel Streets on the site of the former Harlan E. Moore warehouse, the Oak Street Facility will house efficiently items that are used less frequently.

The building will provide valuable space for the Library's extensive collections as well as an area for a preservation laboratory and staff. Utilizing industrial-type warehouse shelving that stands up to 40 feet tall, it ultimately will store close to eight million items. Year-round temperature and humidity controls will maintain and protect the collections from deterioration. The front section will offer a service area and reading space for Library users.

Library committees are working with campus faculty to determine carefully the relocation of materials to the Oak Street Facility. Bob Burger, associate university librarian for services, is chairing the Operations Committee, which is charged with planning for all aspects of moving materials. Karen Schmidt, associate university librarian for collections, is chairing the Selection Committee, which is charged with making decisions regarding which materials should be transferred to the new facility.

The projected completion date of the Oak Street Facility is fall 2002 with occupancy expected in fall 2003. The Library plans to relocate two million volumes during the first phase of the move-in process, which will significantly ease the crowded conditions in the Main Library book stacks as well as departmental libraries. For current information about the project, including floor plans, visit the Library Office of Planning and Budgeting website.