Special Collections Renovations News and updates

See “green” elements of the 2010 renovation of the 2nd and 4th floors.

The first thing you notice when stepping into Central Library’s new fourth-floor lobby is a sense of light and space. Gone is the dark, cluttered entryway that more than one student described as “cave-like” on user surveys last year, replaced by more room, new flooring and natural light.

“I’ve been asked by several people how we raised the ceilings,” said Dean of Libraries Connie Vinita Dowell, who assures that no such thing has happened. “It’s actually just new lighting and paint. We did open up some spaces, which makes it feel grander.” (more)

The GLB renovation project began with a goal of achieving LEED Silver certification.  The process is defined by certain actions and decisions that can accrue points, with 50 points needed for Silver and 60 points for Gold level certification.  At this point the Silver certification seems a strong likelihood.   The next highest level is Gold certification.

As an example of the type of actions required by the LEED process, there must be a minimum level of water savings, with a reduction of 20% required.  Reductions beyond that level can accrue additional points.  Within the scope of the project (not the entire building, just the 2^nd and 4^th floor areas being renovated), water usage is primarily affected by the bathrooms.  In these areas, bathroom fixtures were replaced with dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and low flow faucets.  The impact of those changes is projected to achieve a 40% reduction in water usage (over what would have been used on those two floors).  This will  help with our LEED certification.

The validation of all of the LEED criteria can take months after the project is completed, so it will be some time before we know exactly what level is achieved.  We will plan for a more extensive report about the efforts for the greening of the library in this project.

• Many of the library’s electronic resources can be searched online from outside the library building – and in most cases all you need to access the full text is your VUnet ID and password. You can explore some of these options by clicking on the “Libraries” link at the top of the new Vanderbilt Homepage
• Do you need help with research or have a library related question? Our AskUS service provides an easy way to submit your question and receive the answer online. Since many subject librarians will take vacation time during the summer, AskUS may be a better option than emailing your subject librarian directly.
• Did you know that faculty members can have Library books delivered directly to their campus department by using the Faculty Delivery Service? In addition, the delivery service team will also scan and email electronic copies of journal articles to you.

The temporary entrances are necessary as the creation of the Central Library’s 8th floor student lounge nears completion and the renovation of the General Library Building enters its second phase. Over the summer improvements to the 4th floor Central lobby and reference areas will also take place. In addition, work will be underway on a new enclosed exhibit space and entrance to the Divinity Library on the 2nd floor, including the addition of a new handicap access ramp on the north side of the building.

Vanderbilt University announced a planned $6 million renovation to the campus’ Central Library Friday.

The renovation by Orion Building will upgrade almost 19,000 square feet of existing space. It will add small group study areas, computer workstations and a new, central help desk. The school will also add a café and new breezeway and exhibit space between the L. Fort Flowers Wing and the Divinity Library.
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