A monthly look at life in the UK Libraries

May 2006

Medical Center Library Gets
Long Overdue “Makeover”
By Jane Bryant (Photos by James Burgett)
The University of Kentucky Medical Center
Library (MCL) has undergone a facelift along
with a concomitant weight loss, i.e., space
loss. The results are stunning! And, the best
news is that the Libraries didn’t have to pay
for it.
According to Janet Stith, Medical Center
Photo of new MCL entrance shows floor detail
Library Director, "This is the first major
that carries design into building hallway.
renovation for the Medical Center Library
since it opened over 45 years ago. Through funding from the College of Medicine Dean's
Office we were able to secure a new book theft security
system, modern user services desk, and a new entry to
the library."
The impact is immediate as you enter the MCL. A
classy new entryway with handsome tiles and a
“barless” security system has helped bring the look of
the Library into the 21st century. The sleek, multilevel
user services counter provides patrons with a single
place to obtain assistance – from checking out books to
inquiring about a medical conundrum. During peak
New multi-level user services desk hours, the desk is staffed by both circulation staff and a
offers space for both Circulation and reference librarian. When business is slower, one person
Reference transactions. Dual
handles both sets of duties.
monitors offer simultaneous screen
displays to patrons and staff alike. “The Medical Center Library acquired automatic doors
which are an added convenience for our patrons. We
also gained a few extra study carrels on the first floor of the library,” says Renee Dorn,
Senior Library Technician in Circulation.
The remainder of the renovation involved the loss of much of the previously existing office
area on the first floor including the Director’s old office and much of the other “behind-the
scenes” space that used to be Circulation and administrative areas. This was taken over by
the College of Medicine. A small work area was retained by Circulation and new
administrative offices were constructed in the area of the “old reference office” and where
some of the unbound journals had been shelved.
The renovation is still ongoing as new journal shelving is put up, journals are shifted –
both upstairs and downstairs, and staff and users alike adapt to the new look and feel of
the venerable old Medical Center Library. One thing hasn’t changed – our commitment to
providing our users with excellent, personalized, one-on-one service!