NDSU's Main Library is about to get a much-anticipated facelift.
During the next five months, a $1.725 million renovation project will provide better student accessibility, address some deferred maintenance items and improve efficiencies in the circulation area.
An updated and accessible front entrance will extend about 20 feet into the mall area on the building's north side. The entry doors will be shifted to help prevent wind from directly entering the building.
In addition, the circulation area near the entrance will be consolidated with inter-library loan services in a workspace that will be screened from view.
"With this plan, we're going for an inviting entrance and improved service point for the many students who use the library," said Bridget Burke, dean of libraries. "This project will help with some of our very visible issues of traffic, safety and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act."
The project, which is expected to be completed Nov. 1, also will include converting a freight elevator into an ADA compliant passenger elevator and opening up a stairwell that is not visible. Burke emphasizes the library will remain open and offer its regular services during the construction period.
Visitors and staff will use an entrance on the library's east side as the work progresses.
Built in 1948, the library's last major renovation was completed in 1980.
"It was time for us to look at how students use and move through our space. We have a lot of student activity in this building," Burke said, noting in addition to study and research areas, the library now houses the Center for Writers, Publications Services, offices for the ombudsperson, Information Technology helpdesk and soon will be home to the Math Emporium.
"I'm really excited about all this. We'll accommodate a whole range of study and research activities," Burke said. "Students can study separately or in groups, access library collections and share their work using new technology."
For updates on the construction project, visit http://library.ndsu.edu/construction.