Together, the Senate Committee on the Library and the University Library hosted a campus-wide Town Hall via Zoom on November 18, 2021. Representatives from the Library provided background and logistics for the project and spoke on Undergraduate Library services. The architecture/engineering teams (Ratio and Shepley Bulfinch) gave a project presentation. There was also time devoted to Q and A.
View the entire Zoom recording here.
When Steve and Megan Shebik peer into their vision for the future, they see a modern library for students and faculty, a renovated space capped by a jewel-box top that would anchor the area just south of the University of Illinois Quad. The literally transparent environs of the newly renovated buildings would beckon students and passers-by, encouraging them to examine the Library’s treasures, take advantage of easy access to scholarship and collaboration, and revel in a setting that focuses that part of campus.
Just as the Bardeen Quad and other changes revitalized the north end of the campus, so too do the Shebiks see the Library’s building project as a major game changer for the south.
And with that belief, the couple pledged $2.5 million to help launch the library building project. Read more…
July and August
Representatives from the University Library, University Administration, and Facilities and Services met with members of our Architecture/Engineering (A/E) Team for meetings on July 20-21, July 28, and August 4. These meetings reviewed the vision and program, provided an opportunity to validate – or confirm – projected spaces, and by August 4, verify the program and get a sign-off from UIUC on Gross Square Feet (GSF) and Assignable Square Feet (ASF) as well as shelving quantities.
At an August 18 meeting, the A/E presented options related to the addition of a loading dock to the east side of the renovated facility and discussed options for accessible ramping on the building’s western side.
Lastly, a meeting was held on August 26 in which members of the project team, F&S, and the A/E discussed various items related to building code as they intersect with this project.
September
September meetings include both scheduled project meetings as well as additional meetings scheduled that involve select representatives of the A/E, F&S, and University Library.