UC Santa Cruz is about to begin renovation of the third floor of the Science & Engineering Library.
In March 2018, the University Library received a $5 million gift from an anonymous donor to renovate the top floor of the Science & Engineering Library. The floor will be named in honor of Professor Emerita of Astronomy and Astrophysics Sandra Faber, one of the campus’s most distinguished scholars.
This generous gift will allow the campus to create safe, attractive, comfortable, and convenient study environments designed to support academic success. The renovated space will be quieter, better ventilated, and much better equipped with AC/USB power in seating areas. The renovation will create seating for more library patrons, and provide separate zones for focused, quiet study, and for small group collaboration. Work will begin in the summer with a reopening planned at the start of winter quarter. Here is a brief project timeline:
- Fall 2018: The campus approved the renovation project and timeline.
- Fall 2018: The campus and library worked with master architect EHDD to develop the project’s Request for Proposals (RFP).
- Winter 2019: The campus solicited RFPs from qualified design/build teams. Two teams of creative, talented, and enthusiastic builders and architects submitted proposals.
- Spring 2019: The design/build team of Roebbelen and Ratcliff was awarded the contract for the project.
- Spring/Summer 2019: Design and construction documents will be reviewed and approved by Capital Planning and Space Management.
- Summer/Fall 2019: The third floor of S&E Library will be closed for renovation.
- January 2, 2020: A new, vibrant third floor will open!
This generous gift also gives us the opportunity to update the furniture on the third floor — much of it is more than 25 years old — with selections that better support the needs of modern students and researchers. We are working with a variety of vendors to find the best options and value. We have already installed some sample pieces on the third floor of S&E and more will be added. We encourage you to visit, see for yourself, and leave us your feedback. If you prefer, you can leave us feedback online here.
In the spirit of transparency, the University Library will issue three more news flashes to keep students, faculty, and staff fully apprised of our progress. The next two will update you on the work in progress. The fourth and final announcement will celebrate the completion of the work and re-opening of the third floor. These features will be published in the quarterly Library Newsletter and included in campuswide newsletter, Tuesday Newsday. If you have not yet signed up for the newsletter, please consider doing so to receive future updates. You can sign up here.
These updates will also be published on the News and Events section of the University Library’s website and on the Science & Engineering Library Renovation Blog.
