DRS / Veteran Services / Map Collection Project Moves Forward

June 1, 2018

Plans are moving forward for the long anticipated project to move both disAbility Resources for Students (DRS) and Veteran Services to the first floor of Wilson Library. The project will allow the Libraries and Learning Commons to further collaborate with these services to better meet student needs and to make progress in their efforts to provide equal access to educational opportunities to students at Western.  

To accommodate the DRS / Veteran Services relocation, the Libraries’ Map Collection will move to the second floor of Wilson Library. Once renovated, the Wilson 2 East wing will support the Map Collection and its programming, microforms, and it will also provide an exciting new destination study space for all users. The relocation of microform scanners, cabinets, and other items currently located in Wilson Library 2 East will begin during the week of June 4, 2018.

These changes will involve some disruption. Wilson 2 East will become unavailable for use when contractors begin work to refurbish the space beginning the week of June 4th.  Changes include:

  • Temporary relocation of the microform scanners and supporting indexes to the area known as “the Corner” on the second floor of Wilson Library
  • Temporary relocation of microfilm cabinets to Wilson 283 (the area across from the Tutoring Center) Please note this space will be unavailable for use while cabinets are being moved.
  • Permanent relocation of The New York Times and Times (London) print indexes to Wilson 3 West
  • Permanent relocation of microfiche cabinets from Wilson 2 East to Wilson 180.
    Permanent relocation of some computers and printers currently located in Wilson 2 East  to Wilson 283 and 461

As part of this University-funded project, Western Libraries received funds to purchase full-content digital access (which includes fully searchable full-page views) to much of the most frequently used microform series currently located in Wilson 2 East.  This means library users have improved access to this content from anywhere online at any time. To access the new digital content, search by title in OneSearch (remember to “Sign in for Full Access,” or see: http://libguides.wwu.edu/az.php?a=all.

Beginning the week of June 25th, project work will occur in Wilson 2 East making the area unavailable to library users.  This includes some minor demolition, construction of staff offices, and the replacement of carpet and light fixtures. This work will be followed by new paint, new map cabinetry, and furniture. The Map Collection portion of the project is expected to be completed by the start of Fall Quarter 2018.  

Once the Map Collection is complete, construction will begin on the first floor of Wilson Library in preparation for the DRS and Veteran Services move, which is expected to take place during the Spring 2019.

Western Libraries staff and faculty appreciate your patience and understanding during this exciting transition.

Questions? Please contact Frank.Haulgren@wwu.edu