College of DuPage Library Renovations to Begin this Summer

Services at the College of DuPage Library will continue with minimal interruptions during its 18-month, two-phase renovation. Once the construction dust has cleared, students and the community will have access to a Library that is user-friendly and comfortable with updated technology throughout the facility.

In preparation of phase one, the Library's general collection will have limited availability between July 30 and Aug. 5 as it is moved from the upper level of the Library, located in the Student Resource Center, to the Open Campus Center. Beginning on Aug. 6, items from the general collection – which include books, VHS tapes, music CDs and LPs – will be available by request from the Library Annex in OCC 135. Materials also can be ordered online to be held for pickup at either location or mailed for a $2 per book charge plus shipping.

“During the move of our general collection, we ask that everyone plan ahead,” said Ellen Sutton, associate dean of Learning Resources. “If a student has a research paper due, or a faculty member needs specific materials for a class, they should make plans to access these materials as soon as possible.”

Renovations to the Library include upgrading technology, improving study areas for both single and group work, and reconfiguring the reference desk. Phase one of the renovation begins on Friday, Aug. 3, when the upper level of the Library is closed until May 2013. During this phase, two upper-level entrances will be added – from the south SRC stairway and from the Academic Computing Center.

Materials to be found on the main level during phase one include new books, audiobooks, journals and magazines, newspapers, microfilm and microfiche, rental DVDs, the reference collection, reserves, graphic novels, and trade paperbacks. While study space will be reduced, many of the study carrels on the upper level will be relocated to the main level.

“Almost every service you normally find now will still be here,” Sutton said. “The computer lab, reference services, AV delivery, instructional services and all electronic resources will be available during the move and construction.”

Phase two is scheduled from May 2013 through January 2014, when the upper level will reopen and the main level will close. During this time, most materials from the general collection, as well as materials located on the main level, will be available on the upper level.

Rebecca Cremin, Library coordinator, said the end result will be well worth the wait. During the renovation, every effort will be made to accommodate requests.

“Our reference staff will always be available to help people locate materials,” she said. “We will do our best to provide access to our materials and services with minimal disruptions.”

For updated information and frequently asked questions about the renovation, visit the Library web site at library.codlibrary.org/renovation.