Golda Meir Library Renovation
The Daniel M. Soref Learning Commons
With the recent wonderful gift of $1.75 million from the Daniel M. Soref Charitable Trust and final approval from the Board of Regents and the State Building Commission, we are on track with our renovation of the Golda Meir Library building’s West Wing first floor. Construction is scheduled to begin late this fall and the new Daniel M. Soref Learning Commons will open in the fall 2009 semester.
During the last year we have worked closely with student, faculty, and staff focus groups, campus planners and The Kubala Washatko Architects, Inc. to produce a design that will provide an enhanced and supportive learning environment leading to an increase in our students’ overall success at UWM.
Featuring group study rooms, a technology-rich environment, and a café, the new commons will offer vibrant and engaging learning spaces for students to gather, interact, and work together. Two classrooms for information literacy instruction will be created, and seating will double in the area. The remodeling will also offer students ready access to writing, tutoring, and information technology support services.
Preliminary work in the library has already started. In March, we began the transfer of rarely used books with call number ranges in R and Q, as well as bound periodicals which are available online, to the University Services Building. This will allow us to relocate our cataloging staff and our business office to the second floor, creating more room for the Learning Commons.
Finally, the schedule for tentative relocation of services within the building will be finalized and posted shortly. For the most current update on the project, please check our Renovation Updates web page.
Ewa Barczyk
Director of Libraries
May 2008
Previous Messages from the Director:
Transforming the Libraries (Feb. 2008)