Why is this happening?
Since the Marston Science Library was built, there have been leaks on the 1st floor. Over the years these leaks have gotten worse and spread. Temporary measures were taken but none kept the water out for very long. A few years ago it was determined that a permanent fix was needed and planning began.
See the Alligator news story on the leaks.
The culmination of this planning came in May 2008 when we heard from the architect/consultant that the walkways in front of the Marston Science Library and computer Science Engineering Building would have to be torn up to repair the expansion joints between the slabs as well as a crack in one of the slabs under the Marston Science Library. While they want to keep water coming in to a minimum, it was determined to be best to move the entire collection from the area that would be most likely to have water intrusion. This included the entire Map & Imagery Library.
Protecting the collection
Planning started right away. It was necessary to find space for the 182 map cases and 58 vertical files as well as the 16 shelves of oversized atlases and numerous feet of regular sized atlases and reference books. It was determined that L107 on the first floor held enough space to allow us to easily access our most heavily used materials. The majority of our Florida aerial photography collection as well as our entire cataloged collection is being stored in L107. To reduce moving costs and to keep the collection together as much as possible, additional space was looked for in the building. MSL faculty and staff graciously rearranged some study areas on the 2nd floor to allow us additional space. Topographic maps of the US, nautical charts, other USGS publications, as well as the oversized atlases have all been moved to the 2nd floor.
Maintaning Access and 5-star Service
Service to the collection was an important aspect for us to consider. It is our goal to continue to provide the 5 star-service to the collection no matter where it is located. To do this we will always have a staff member from the Map & Imagery Library available to handle reference questions and retrieval during our normally scheduled hours (Mon-Thurs 8:30-7:00, Fri 8:30-5:00, and Sun 10:00-7:00). Patrons seeking assist need only to go to the Documents Reference Desk to request materials or to ask for help.
Due to the new arrangement of the collection in its new space, we must now pull materials for patrons. Map & Imagery Library staff will be more than willing to pull whatever is needed. We understand that paging materials may feel like a hassle for the patrons but we will try to make it as painless and as smooth as possible.
Instructors wishing to bring their class into the Map & Imagery Library as they have in the past will still be able to show their students the collection. A tour of the collection in its temporary location can be arranged as well as a lecture portion that will include many examples of our maps. Please contact us (phone: 273-2825) at least 2 weeks prior to when the class will be held so that we can schedule a classroom.
Timeline
Construction began on July 28, 2008 and it is expected to take approximately 4 months. If everything goes to plan they are hoping to be done sometime in November. However we are in Florida during the rain and hurricane season and that could pose some unexpected delays. We are trying to stay prepared for anything. It is my hope though that by Spring Semester we will be settled back into the Map & Imagery Library.
Additional questions?
Please contact the Map Librarian, Carol McAuliffe with any additional questions or concerns.
Email: carolmc@uflib.ufl.edu
Phone: 352-273-2828
