Project Objectives  

• Update two existing study rooms with technology: including computer, monitor, projector and whiteboard for students to use for collaboraton and presentation practice.

• Increase the number of rooms available for study and instruction by adding two additional study rooms.

• Create common spaces for collaboration with comfy furniture.

• Add power outlets throughout the building to accommodate increased laptop use. These will be centered around the collaborative seating areas.

• Update the look of the library with new paint, carpeting, and lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere for users.

• Redesign reference desk to increase collaboration, this will include physical design of the desk and staffing changes to include IT personnel.

• Create space for writing lab.

• Create space to lease for café.

• Install updated shelving for Reference collection.

• Create a computer lab with 50 new computers, three printers, and two scanners.

Scope  

This project will gut and remodel approximately 50% of the first floor of the library (10,000 sq feet). Current Reference collections will be weeded to create more space. New computers will be installed to allow for increased student access and use.

Cost    

Costs for this project are estimated using the analogy method because the team members do not have experience and expertise in these areas. The Franklin D. Schurz Library at Indiana University South Bend renovated their Reference area into an Information Commons that is almost exactly the same size as our library just last summer for $300,000. However, our library structure is a bit older, and the costs of construction have risen in the last year, we expect our renovation to be closer to $350,000. Additionally, we must purchase and install 50 new computers, so we have allowed $50,000 for this. It is our intention to provide computers that will not need replacement for several years, to provide a number of necessary software packages (including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, SPSS, Mathematica, etc.) in order to empower our students for today's workplace. It has also been decided to purchase a project management computer program: Intellisys Project 3.9 for $159.00. This is a medium priced program that will allow compiling the project data.

Time   

The spring semester will be spent in planning the project and designing the space. A project team has been formed and bids taken for the design firm. For the Spring semester, the project team will work with the architect and the project manager will work with campus and county officials to secure all necessary building permits. The final design will be presented to campus administration a month before the end of the semester so that requested/desired changes can be integrated into the project. The last month before construction begins, the project team will work with the furniture subcontractor suggested by the architect to choose the furniture. It is our intention to minimize disruption to the students as much as possible. Construction work will begin the week after classes are completed. It is estimated that it will take two weeks to move the Reference collection, furnishings, and offices out of the first floor. An additional two weeks will be allowed for removal of shelving and demolition of the space.

Available Resources   

Resources for this project include:

1. The human resources for design of the space--including library public service personnel, campus IT staff, campus facility maintanence staff, and the design firm.

2. Human resources in the form of labor and supervision from the contractor and subcontractors.

3. We have $400,000 to spend on the project from the following sources:

• $250,000 in the form of a gift  from a local alumni to improve computer access and modernize the library
• $100,000 in matching funds from the campus capital fund
• $50,000 raised from an increased "library fee" voted for by the students

Limitations   

While some disruption of services is inevitable, the library is a working library and must be available to serve the campus teaching and research needs. The previous design of the building includes structural features that may not be moved or tampered with.

Work Breakdown Schedule (Tasks)   

1. To remove the collections currently stored in the Reference Area
2. To remove the furniture and shelving
3. To install new wiring for computer access
4. To layout and construct new rooms for the project
5. To carpet and paint the remodeled area
6. Install updated lighting
7. To install updated shelving for collections
8. To furnish with updated furniture suitable to today’s work and study habits
9. To install new computers, monitors, printers, projectors, etc.