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Construction update: Interior renovations at the MacRae Library

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Packing up the Agricola Collections in preparation for interior renovations.

Packing up the Agricola Collection in preparation for interior renovations.

The MacRae Library is undergoing some significant interior construction that will begin on April 14th, 2014 and expected to be completed by the end of August 2014.  In the meantime, we are open for business!

The interior renovation involves the replacement of the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) unit. This means that there will be restricted access to the lower level of the library, except for washrooms. The lower level will begin to be sealed off for construction starting the week of April 14th, 2014 and is expected to remain sealed until the end of August 2014.

These changes will allow for proper temperature control and humidity levels in the building. The project will also include a renovation of one of our rooms on the basement floor to provide proper climate and storage conditions for archival print and artifact collections. Our ultimate goal is to help protect and preserve the collection and make the environment more comfortable for you, our users.

We want you to know we are open for business during this time. We are working to provide access to the study rooms on the lower level from April 14-16. Also, Cox classrooms 136, 138 & 200 are available for you to study between 8am and midnight.* We have also arranged for additional seating on the main level of the library.  We will also be doing book retrievals for you on a scheduled basis. Due to the nature of these renovations, it will get noisy at times. Earplugs are available at the Service Point if you find the noise disruptive.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time we will continue to provide updates on the project. If you have any questions about the renovations, please contact the following people:

  • Questions about the overall project:
    • Elaine MacInnis, Association University Librarian, Access Services and Head of MacRae Library: Elaine.MacInnis@dal.ca, 893-6670
    • Verna Mingo, Head of Acquisitions & Serials: Verna.Mingo@dal.ca, 893-4581

*Please note: due to scheduled exams taking place in these classrooms, they will be unavailable for use as follows – Cox 136: April 10th, 3pm-7pm, Cox 138: April 15th & 16th, 11:30am to 3:30pm & April 17th, 8am-12pm. Cox 200: April 8th, 6pm to 9pm, April 11th, 11:30am to 3:30pm & April 16th, 2:30pm to 3:00pm. On April 17th the room will close at 4:30pm.

 

Killam Construction Update

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We’ve just received an update from Dal Food Services on the construction work going on in the Killam atrium. They convey their appreciation of everyone’s patience as this work continues.

  • SECOND CUP is due to reopen October 1st. This site will feature two cash points to speed up service, new espresso machines, and Second Cup sandwiches will also be featured (new)
  • LIBRARY BISTRO upgrade will be completed as soon as Second Cup reopens, new showcases to install and a high speed turbo chef
  • Two new Express coolers will be installed where concrete was removed in front of Bistro
  • SUBWAY: anticipated opening date is Oct 11th but we are pushing for an earlier date if possible
  • A staff member is wiping tables to keep ahead of construction debris

Subway Outlet Coming at Killam

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Construction has begun this week on a Subway outlet in the Killam Library atrium. They’ll be demolishing some of the concrete infrastructure beginning tonight from 9pm until 7am; this will take approximately 2 weeks to complete (the noisiest work will happen only while the library is closed).

The work will also include some retrofitting of both the Library Bistro and the Second Cup to allow for changing traffic paterns. The Bistro will be reorganized tomorrow (August 24) to allow a reduced Second Cup to operate in that space. Coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and packaged salads will be available during this period, but no espresso-based or blender drinks . Next week the Second Cup will close and be retrofitted.

We apologize for the disruption!

What’s Going On At the Killam??

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If you’ve been in the Killam Library this week you won’t have been able to miss the noise emanating from the 2nd floor. We apologize sincerely for the racket, but…

  • an emergency exit and new washrooms are required on the 2nd floor due to increased usage since installation of the LINC and expansion of the Learning Commons
  • the library’s’ budget won’t allow for the extra costs of having this work done outside regular working hours
  • we expect the noisiest work will be done within a week
  • there are areas in the building (we especially recommend the 4th and 5th floors) that are available for study purposes where the noise cannot be heard
  • it is not possible to close the library for the duration of this work
  • library staff mind the noise too. We’re all trying to grin and bear it!

Thanks everyone for your patience!

Construction at Killam This Summer

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This summer the Killam Library will be undergoing several construction projects inside and out. In addition to the “facelift” you can see now making repairs to external walls, visitors will also notice the following happening on the second floor.


  • Construction of washrooms adjacent to the LINC classroom. Materials are expected to start arriving on site for this project this week with construction beginning shortly thereafter. This project is expected to be completed by the end of August. Please note there will be some noise involved as holes will need to be drilled through the floor to accommodate plumbing. We have requested that the noisiest work be completed between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., realizing that some exceptions to this may be needed for short periods of time.
  • An emergency exit will be constructed off the balcony from the second floor reading room. Tentative start date for this project is the week of June 13th. It will get noisy at times as well, as the existing balcony will have to be demolished and the anchors to support the new structure will have to be installed. Use of some equipment (possibly a bobcat) will also be required.

We apologize for the disruption as we continue to make improvements to your library!

Construction on the Second Floor of the Killam

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On September 21st work began on a new hi-tech classroom space on the second floor on the Killam, next to the Upper Learning Commons.  The classroom will double as a quiet study area during non-classroom times.

Construction is expected to be ongoing until the Christmas break.  While it is impossible to ensure that this work is carried out in silence, every effort will be made to keep noise to a minimum.  To accomodate students working in the nearby study areas the noisiest of the work has been scheduled to take place early in the mornings.

We apologize for the disruption but we think you will be very happy with the results!