SAAH to explore alternatives to meeting space needs

According to an email from Graduate programs Director and Art History department head Melissa Hyde to the to art history faculty and graduate students (below) , the School of Art and Art History (SAAH) will be exploring alternative was to meet space concerns. In addition, Dean Chris Silver of the College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP) has offered to perform a re-evaluation of SAAH facilities.

From: On Behalf Of Melissa Lee Hyde
Sent: Monday, September 26, 2011
Subject: update on the library

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Dear All,

I am writing to give you an update on the proposal to move the AFA library to Smathers.  The AH faculty had a very good meeting with Richard Heipp and Dean Lavelli this past Friday, in which we discussed in some detail the reasons why we think the proposal to move the library would not serve the interests of the School or the College.

Our concerns were heard and are understood. It is the position of the Dean, Richard and I think, of the Art History faculty as well, that what is now needed are new, good and creative ideas about how to address our space and facilities needs as a College (Music is also involved in this) -- the issue that prompted all the discussion in the first place. We are very fortunate that Dean Silver of the College of Design, Construction and Planning (DCP) has offered to do a complete DCP re-evaluation of our space, so we will be getting the best, expert advice to help us shape our own ideas about alternative proposals for dealing with SAAH space and facilities issues. Thanks to the Provost and Deans Lavelli and Silver, we have before us a rare and exciting opportunity to think a-fresh about many aspects of our various programs, physical spaces and how we work within them.  I believe the plan is that these proposals will eventually be presented to the Provost for his consideration.

Will update you as I have further information. There will opportunities for everyone to offer ideas and feedback.

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Melissa Lee Hyde, Associate Prof.
Director of Graduate Studies &
Head of Art History
School of Art and Art History, University of Florida Fine Arts Bldg. C 113