Long-delayed construction will finally begin at the Health Sciences Library (HSL) on Monday, September 27 and the project is slated to be completed around the end of December. The project will result in a single entrance to the library from the third floor of the Health Sciences Building. Having a single entrance will improve the overall security of the building by limiting non-UW visitors' use of the building, after-hours and weekends, to the library.
Because the connecting stairway between the public areas of the second and third floors of the library will be unavailable for use during the course of construction there will be no internal access for patrons between the library's public areas. In addition, as a result of construction, all Health Sciences Library reserve materials, located on the third floor, will be "Library Use Only" Autumn Quarter. For assistance with HSL reserve items contact staff at 206-221-3418 or hslres@u.washington.edu.
In case you were wondering -- Yes! -- construction will kick-off just in time to be as disruptive as possible to staff and patrons alike. The end result will be a more efficient use of public space in the library and a new and improved, more secure, single entrance. Questions about the project? Contact the Health Sciences Library at 206-543-3390 or hsl at u.washington.edu.
- Letter from HSL Director, S. Fuller (june 2003)
- Architect's floorplan
- Map of New Health Sciences Entrance
Construction Updates
February 17, 2005
The 3rd floor bookdrop is now open in the hallway near the entrance (T-334) to the Health Sciences Library and the elevator. Borrowers may continue to use the book drop on Columbia Road, next to the Health Sciences Express Shuttle stop, as well as the book drop located in the hallway on the second floor of the Health Sciences Building near T-227.
Do not put course reserve materials in the outside book drops. They should be returned to the library of origin and it is best to hand them to a staff member at the service desk.
Got a question? The corner office (T-315) behind the Information Desk is staffed 9 - 5 Monday through Friday with librarians ready, willing and able to help you with your questions. Drop by and say hello!
January 18, 2005
The new 3rd floor entrance and desk are now officially open for business as of this morning! As a reminder, the 2nd and 3rd floor entrances we have been using (for the last 30+ years) are now EMERGENCY exits only (see more information under the Jan 6, 2005 update.).
This is our shake-down week and public service staff have to rethink how to do everything. There are still a few details to be settled -- e.g., some phone lines and ethernet ports yet to be activated -- and new furniture for the re-positioned Reading Area and New Acquisitions area to arrive next week. Our service and response may be a bit ragged this week but should improve quickly.
In spite of the inevitable bumps, we are pleased with our new look and hope you will be too. Once all bugs have been ironed out, we'll plan a Grand Opening. We look forward to welcoming you through the new doors!
January 12, 2005
The new entrance is scheduled to open Tuesday, January 18, 2005. Details about the new entrance are described in the January 6th update.
Along with new carpet, new information desk, and a new reading area, the skeleton in the Learning Commons received a refurbishing as well.
January 7, 2005
For those of you who've passed through the second floor entrance (T-227) of the library today you may have noticed the second floor security gate has been moved, as we get down to the final steps, in preparation for our move to the third floor on Tuesday, January 18, 2005.
What does this mean for you when you're working in the library for the next week or so? You will need to stop at the Information Desk on your way out to show library staff the contents of your backpacks and large bags.
Thank you for your assistance during this time of transition. This will be just a short term inconvenience until the new entrance opens.
January 6, 2005
The new entrance to the Health Sciences Library (HSL) will open for use later this month. (The library's internal stairs will reopen next week.) Watch for an announcement about the opening of the new entrance. The new entrance is located at the east end of the 3rd floor T-wing, just inside the courtyard formed by the juncture of the A, C and T wings of the Health Sciences Building. (See the map .) The addition of this entrance allows the remainder of the Health Sciences Building to be secured after-hours, i.e., evenings, weekends, and holidays.
How will this new entrance impact you?
- There will be only ONE entrance to HSL - this new entrance (T-334). The current entrances on the 2nd and 3rd floors will become emergency and disabled (2nd floor only) exits only.
- When you leave the Library after the building is locked (7:00pm-6:00am M-F, weekends, and holidays), you must exit the building unless you have a Building Access Card with after-hours authorization. Without that card you will not be able to move through the rest of the Health Sciences Building.
- If you have faculty, staff, or students who are authorized for access to rooms in the Health Sciences Building after-hours, your department administrator will need to submit Access Card Requests for them.
- Evening and weekend Library users without authorized after-hours building access will have to walk around the building from the S-1 parking area.
- Services are available for individuals with disabilities needing library access and assistance. For more information, see Services for Users with Disabilities.
Please direct questions about access to the Health Sciences Building to Health Sciences Academic Services & Facilities. Information about Library services & policies may be found on the HSL's website. Comments or questions about HSL may be sent using the form at the bottom of that page.
December 23, 2004
Most of the construction is complete. Now we are left with the finishing touches and the moving of furniture, equipment, and people, much of which will take place in the first few weeks of the quarter. Watch for signs and announcements to help you find your way. Thank you for your patience in this time of transition.
In anticipation of the move, the New Acquisitions Area (on the 2nd floor) for serials has been temporarily closed and all issues are being shelved in the serials stacks. The "New Book Shelf" remains in place. Once the move is made to the 3rd floor, a "Reading Area" will open upstairs. It will hold the latest issues of 100 journals and the new books along with comfy chairs for browsing. A list of these titles will be posted in early January. Ask your Libraries Liaison for information on creating an email alert so that you know when your favorite titles are updated.
November 10, 2004
They are painting this week and carpeting should be going in Novenber 24th to December 3rd. Nothing else major to report. We're still shooting to complete by the end of the year but that doesn't mean we'll be able to open the new doors by January 3rd, when classes start.
October 20, 2004
Everything is moving along on schedule with the T-wing Library Security project. They have framed the disabled bathroom, main entrance door and new book drop and are working on electrical. The asbestos abatement was completed last week. Carpeting, paint, stain, rubber molding and furniture has been selected.
(last modified 12 January 2005)
http://healthlinks.washington.edu/hsl/construction-2004.html