Second floor now has wireless Internet access
By KRISTEN KLEIN
News Writer
Renovations to the Hesburgh Library basement are well underway and patrons now find the air filled with the smells of fresh paint and sawdust emanating from the basement along with the sounds of hammers, drills, and other equipment.
The renovations are scheduled to be completed before the fall semester begins. The basement, formerly known as the pit for its old tile floor, low ceiling, `70s style lunch benches and dark atmosphere, will be only a memory come August. Instead, students will find tile work with the university seal, a service desk, government documents, 700,000 books, a study area, microfilm, microfiche and the microfilm readers.
"I can promise that this August the basement will be open and will offer wireless Internet access," said Marsha Stevenson, renovation coordinator and head of the reference department.
The study area will have new furniture, carpeting and booths along the walls. The books and microfiche will be stored in movable shelving, which provides more room by placing shelves of books on rails, allowing them to be pushed together.
This method of storage does not require an aisle in between shelves, increasing the amount of available storage space. To access the books, a person decides what shelf he needs and presses a button to have the shelves move apart.
"Without [movable shelving] we have maxed out our collection and would have to take out reader tables or store the collection at another site," said Stevenson.
The relocation of the microfilm collection will help staff better organize the collection.
"The staff are all excited and anxious to move and get the collection in order," said Barbara Connelly, access services supervisor.
The second floor of the library has also been renovated to offer wireless Internet access. Students who have a registered wireless card in their computer can access the Internet from anywhere on the floor. Students can get assistance regarding obtaining and registering a wireless card by calling the Office of Information Technologies at 631-8111.
Stevenson said that electricians are currently working on wiring the first floor for wireless Internet access, with the eventual goal of having wireless Internet access throughout the building.
In addition, according to Diane Kennedy, computer applications specialist, the study rooms on the second floor now each have one active ResNet jack, providing Internet access.
Starting in May, windows from the fourth to the 14th floor will be replaced one column at a time.
"The new windows will filter out UV light, so books will not fade," said Stevenson.
Graduate students who have carrels with a window will not be allowed in their carrels while the window is gone.
All News Stories for Wednesday, February 5, 2003
