UC San Diego Geisel Library Completes Renovation Project

From SDNews.com:

The UC San Diego Geisel Library held a Sept. 27 “reveal” of its second-floor renovation updating the flagship building of the university to fulfill the 21st-century needs of its patrons.

The reveal marked the completion of the Geisel Library Revitalization Initiative, a major effort to transform and revitalize the most heavily-used interior public spaces on floors 1, 2, and 8 to meet the evolving needs of 21st-century students and scholars in an increasingly digital world.

The initiative aimed to dramatically enhance the user experience in Geisel by creating modern, technology-rich spaces that advance research and learning. The revitalization initiative kicked off in 2016 with the opening of Audrey’s Cafe and continued with the renovation of the 8th floor in 2018, and now this remodel of the second main floor.

Erik Mitchell, Audrey Geisel University librarian, said the recent renovation has revitalized the building, not only brightening up its space but making it more inviting and user-friendly.

“As the campus continues to expand, we are addressing a much-sought-after need for more space to accommodate the study and collaboration habits of our on-campus and commuter students,” said Mitchell. “This project redefines how we serve our patrons and creates 7,800 square feet of additional space for them to meet, become inspired, and work together.”

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Geisel Library Renovation

What’s Changed:

• The total footprint of the renovation is approximately 18,700 square feet, which includes the entrance, lobby and main corridor. Of that, 7,800 square feet of employee workspace was converted to public user space adding 160 seats for students to study and collaborate.
• Addition of a brand-new gallery where items from Special Collections & Archives and other works from campus can be showcased. The inaugural exhibit curated by Special Collections & Archives director Lynda Claassen titled “Shaping A Library” will be on display through the end of the fall quarter.
• The renovated space also marks the beginning of an expanded 24/5 study space, encompassing the first and second floors of the library, something UC San Diego students have asked about for many years.
• By winter quarter, students will also be able to access course textbooks and technology items like headphones 24/5 using the library’s new BorrowBot, a self-service borrowing kiosk.

History

Located in the center of UC San Diego Campus, the Geisel Library is directly north of the Price Center. The first books were moved into the building on June 29, 1970. Complete occupancy took place in September 1970, more than two years after construction began.

Learn More, Read the Complete Article

Direct to Geisel Library Revitalization Initiative Website

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