We are pleased to share news of upcoming renovations at the Bio-Medical Library. Construction will soon begin on the library’s 2nd floor (tunnel level), which will include removing a wall to open the floor plan and installing a new service desk.  

The new space will provide greater visibility for our services and librarians and will bring in new resources such as a data visualization center and a one-button video production studio.

“Our goal with this renovation is to promote our services through our space,” said Janice Jaguszewski, Director, Health Sciences Libraries. “When you walk into our main entrance, we want it to be very easy to connect with a librarian, get research assistance at our service desk, and find specialized software and tools to support your academic work.”

Renovated space will have distinct zones

The renovated area will be zoned with distinct spaces for collaboration, productivity, and learning. Wayfinding will be enhanced with painting and signage, and an interactive large-screen digital display will promote library services and showcase digital collections.

As part of the renovation, an evaluation of student and faculty use of library services and the renovated area will be conducted. The evaluation results will be used to inform future development of the library’s spaces.

“Our librarians and all of our library staff have had great success partnering with faculty, staff, and students in the Academic Health Center,” Jaguszewski added. “With this renovation, our work will no longer be hidden in our offices. We anticipate this will have nothing but a positive impact on our work and collaboration.”

The final construction timeline is still being determined. In the meantime, furniture vendors have been contacted to customize the renovated area with furnishings that support education, research, and professional practice needs of the Academic Health Center.