Students returned from spring break to find more study room at Zimmerman Library in the reopened basement study area. The remodeled and refurbished basement now includes more study rooms for students, remodeled offices for staff, and compact shelving that will help handle the university’s growing collections.
In addition there are more computer work stations for students. Library Dean Martha Bedard says student demand for computer time is steadily increasing and that has required some change in library policy.
Most library computers will now require a UNM ID for access. There will continue to be some computers in every library for public use, but Bedard says the intent is to allow students priority use of the computers and reduce the wait time for access.
The reopening comes nearly two years after a serious fire burned portions of the periodical collections and sent smoke and soot throughout the building. Last fall, when the basement area was nearly ready for public use, a test of the new fire suppression system caused a water line to burst, and extensive flooding required extensive remodeling.
Now the books are back in the basement area, students have found the new computer stations and all public areas of Zimmerman Library are open.
Media Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627; e-mail: kwent2@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at March 24, 2008 04:03 PM