Library news: Microform, reference collections move, Reading Room closes temporarily

Western Libraries at Western Washington University has been making a few changes in the past couple of weeks to improve visitors' experiences in the library.

The Microform and Reference Collection Move

This project, which involved switching the locations of the microform and the reference collection to create more “people-friendly” spaces has been successfully completed. The libraries started this project in November to take advantage of opportunities to more effectively utilize existing space. As a result:

  • The Reference Collection is now located more closely to the Research Consultation desk, and the aisles that host the books are now ADA-accessible. Additionally, the provision of counter-height shelving in the new location has created easier access to these materials. The full-height stacks will now serve as a noise buffer for the student study spaces along the south portion of the space.
  • Moving the microform collection and equipment to Wilson 2 East has also created a better defined area more conducive for microform use than that which previously existed.

Wilson Library 4 Central Reading Room

In other news, it became apparent to Facilities Management during the holidays that the lighting fixtures in the Wilson Library 4 Central Reading Room needed to be removed and replaced. As a result, the Reading Room has been temporarily closed so that these important repairs can be made. Temporary lighting will be installed as soon as possible to make this room useable as the Western Libraries works toward a permanent solution.

In the meantime, if you are looking for another quiet space, don’t forget that the entire fifth floor of Wilson Library has been designated a quiet study zone. And, if you need access to any of the materials in the Reading Room, you can request them online or contact Circulation Services at 360-650-3084. The libraries thanks you for your patience and understanding and apologizes for any disruption or inconvenience as improvements are made to library space and facilities.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact rick.osen@wwu.edu.

A project to move the microform and reference collections, which involved switching the locations to create more “people-friendly” spaces has been successfully completed. Courtesy photo
A project to move the microform and reference collections, which involved switching the locations to create more “people-friendly” spaces has been successfully completed. Courtesy photo
It became apparent to Facilities Management during the holidays that the lighting fixtures in the Wilson Library 4 Central Reading Room needed to be removed and replaced. As a result, the Reading Room has been temporarily closed so that these important re