On July 1, 2011 the Libraries began a four-year renovation of the John T. Richardson Library. The first phase was successfully completed in September 2011. Classes are being taught in our new library instruction room and the Library has hosted several events in our state-of-the-art program room, including an inaugural talk by Father Richardson and, most recently, a talk by author and humanitarian Don Mullan marking the 40th anniversary of Bloody Sunday.
The second phase of the renovation, previously scheduled to begin in June 2012, has been delayed until July 1, 2013. This phase will begin construction of the Library’s new Information Commons, designed to support and enhance learning by providing state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive access to Library collections in a comfortable social setting. The Commons will include 40 additional computers for student use, a second state-of -the art instruction room/computer lab, and a scholars’ lab, providing access to specialized software applications. The Commons will provide additional seating and spaces designed for collaborative work.
The one-year delay in the Richardson renovation will allow the university to establish off-site redundancy for its data systems. Funding for the delayed phase is already in place for 2013. The President’s Office and the Board of Trustees remain committed to the renovation project. The Libraries are taking full advantage of the delay, and ultimately the postponement will be to our advantage. We will also use this time to further develop our plans for library services, building our technological infrastructure, and working with partners across campus to develop complementary services in our Information Commons.