Workers move a Reference Services desk during renovations at Eugene McDermott Library.
The second floor of Eugene McDermott Library at UT Dallas is undergoing a renovation project that includes an updated Services Desk, new carpeting and new lighting. The process, which began in February, is nearly complete.
The new Services Desk will be a one-stop shop for customers, combining staff from Access and Delivery Services, Reference Services, and Copy Services. Students, faculty and staff can go to this one desk to pay fines, check out or return books, utilize the Undergraduate Core Textbook Collection, get help from a librarian, and much more.
“These renovations will greatly improve service and study conditions for our customers,” said Dr. Ellen Safley, dean of McDermott Library. “We consider the library a major part of the academic landscape of this campus. It’s important that our space is as accommodating as possible.”
The lighting on the second floor has been updated. The canister lights near the Juvenile and Leisure Reading sections were replaced with brighter hanging lights.
Dr. Ellen Safley
The north half of the second floor has new carpeting. Crews also removed carpet from the library stairs and replaced it with tile. Library staff also consolidated titles and removed shelving to create more seating for customers.
Kristen Palmiere, head of Access and Delivery Services, is tasked with reworking operations on the second floor during renovations, including relocating staff, equipment and materials.
“The last few weeks have been very interesting and a little stressful, but it’s worth it,” Palmiere said. “I think people will be surprised at the transformation. Plus, having one large Services Desk will cut down on the confusion of where to go for information.”
As the renovation progressed through phases, various services were shifted or halted temporarily. Despite the work, Safley says it's business as usual at McDermott Library.
“It’s a lot happening at once, but once it’s finished, Eugene McDermott Library will be an even better place to study,” Safley said.
Safley says she hopes the next improvement will be adding more electrical outlets in 2016.