From: Russell,Judith
Sent: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 5:17 AM
To: Silver,Christopher
Cc: Lavelli,Lucinda; Glover,Joseph
Subject: Re: Architecture and Fine Arts Library
I am gathering data about alternatives for the for AFA Library and Music Library collections, which I will share with you as it becomes available. I do want to assure you that wherever the collections are located, you will still have the same excellent library faculty dedicated to work with your students and faculty. We place a high value on those relationships, as you do.
One option that we are evaluating is for moving low use print journals and reference materials from the 3rd floor of Library West to offsite storage, so the AFA and Music collections could be retained as a collection, with dedicated space, within the building. The AFA collection currently utilizes approximately 10,500 linear feet of shelving. Library West has over 20,000 linear feet of bound journals in the compact shelving in the center of the 3rd floor. I am still waiting for the calculation for the adjacent space occupied by the reference collection, but it is probably at least 10,000 linear feet. While not all of this material is suitable for remote storage, a substantial portion is suitable. The floor plan for the 3rd floor is available at: http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/images/floor plan3.pdf.
The floor plan for the ground floor of Library West is available at:
http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/images/first floor.pdf. The Judaica collection is in the upper left corner. This is the "model" for keeping a subcollection together, rather than interfiling it with other materials. If that option better serves the needs of the CFA and DCP faculty, then we are certainly open to that possibility, especially if it is important for your accreditation.
One part of the analysis that as been completed is a comparison of the hours for AFA Library and Library West. Right now Library West is open 13-14 hours more per week. That does not include the expanded hours in the last 12-13 days of each semester when Library West is open from 8 am to 4 am, 7 days per week.
As you know, we are also planning for a dedicated space for the architectural archives in the Smathers Library (Library East). While that is not going to replace all of the open study and collaboration space in the AFA Library, it will provide some additional seating specifically for users of those materials.
At your convenience, I would be happy to meet with you and your faculty to discuss these and other options, but I do want to assure you, and them, that whatever decisions are made about the location of the collection and the staff of the AFA Library, we will do everything possible to ensure the continuation of excellent service and maintain the close working relationships with your faculty and students.
Judy
Judith C. Russell
jcrussell@ufl.edu
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Dean of University Libraries Judy Russell responds to concerns expressed by DCP Dean Chris Silver
Text of email from Dean of University Libraries Judy Russell to Dean of the College of Design, Construction, and Planning Chris Silver, dated August 24, 2011:
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Reading this, I can't help but fear for the safety of the fine arts students. Currently, these students are in a building with restricted access. They must swipe their Gator1 cards to gain entry to the facility after hours. This means, they can work on projects in their studios and still walk down the hall or climb a few stairs (or ride an elevator) to conduct research in the AFA library.
ReplyDeleteWith the proposed plan, Dean Russell would have these students walk just over 1/2 of a mile roundtrip in some dimly lit areas at night to retrieve resource materials. Speaking from personal experience, many of the art books are thick, large-format, and overall cumbersome. Not only is this an inconvenience, but it a genuine safety concern. Sure, they can call SNAP for an escort, but let's be realistic. In this age of immediacy, how many students will make that call? How many are more likely to say, "Eh, I'll be fine." and take the risk?
On a lesser note, there's an added risk to expensive library materials. Students lugging books across campus may not be hurt, but their backpacks containing wallets, cell phones, and library books are targets for theft.
Just some food for thought.