WVU Libraries Preparing for Final Stages of Downtown Library Complex Renovation
Posted by Admin.November 14th, 2002
Mountaineer Spirit
BY MONTE MAXWELL
WVU Libraries has begun one of the final stages in the completion of the Downtown Library Complex.
During the next few weeks, the West Virginia and Regional History Collection, along with 47,000 volumes from the general collection, and libraries faculty and staff will relocate to the renovated Charles C. Wise, Jr. Library.
The process will bring permanently improve services that students and faculty receive, but may cause some temporary inconveniences, officials explained.
At times during the move, some materials may not be immediately available. However, Libraries Dean Frances O’Brien assures users that Downtown Campus Library staff will work diligently to minimize inconveniences.
This move is the second in 12 months for WVU Libraries. Last fall,
workers transported books, periodicals, microfilm, maps, and staff
offices from Wise, the Physical Science Library in Clark Hall and the Maps Library in White Hall to the new Downtown Campus Library.
“Our staff worked very hard to meet patrons’ needs while the collections were in transition,” Dean O’Brien said. “We received very few complaints. I think our users know we’ll always do our best to get them the materials they need.”
Dean O’Brien anticipates another relatively smooth transition this time.
Crews began moving the West Virginia and Regional History
Collection this week, and WVRHC Director John Cuthbert expects to open the doors of the new space on the sixth floor of Wise during the week of Nov. 18 subject to the approval of the fire marshal. The collection and microfilm will be closed during the process.
Access to the archives and manuscripts will be available by appointment through Nov. 23. Portions of the general collection
will be moved during the Thanksgiving break. To assist the
move, the Downtown Campus Library will be closed Nov. 27-30.
The following will be relocated: Appalachian Collection; African
Collection; ORLA Collection; theses and dissertations; National Union Catalog, pre-56 imprints; and books with call numbers beginning with PR and PS.
For more information, contact Carroll Wilkinson, head of access
services, 293-4040 ext. 4011, or Cuthbert, 293-3536.