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Cornell University

Cornell University Library Space Projects

Building the Library of the Future

Olin Library Basement and First Floor Renewal

A rendering of the Olin Library Arts Quad entrance.
A rendering of the Olin Library Arts Quad entrance.

Overview

A renovation project to renew the lower levels of Olin Library is currently in construction. Project goals include creation of a centralized service point and a permanent Arts Quad entrance on the first floor, updated public restrooms and new space for Anthropology collection engagement on the basement level, as well as improved wayfinding and welcoming study space on both levels. Additionally, the mechanical systems located in the sub-basement will be modernized to improve comfort throughout the lower levels of the building.

Design, lead by architects from Goody Clancy, concluded at the end of the Fall 2023 semester. Construction on both the first floor and basement levels began in December 2023 and should be complete by March 2025. Please see the timeline below for the expected duration of construction on both levels. While it is an important goal to keep Olin Library open to the public throughout construction, please subscribe for updates on changes to services and spaces as the work is phased.

A rendering of the renovated first floor and new service point
A rendering of the renovated first floor and new service point

Timeline

The construction schedule for Olin Library is below. Please click to enlarge.

Construction Progress

August, 2024 – Phase 1 of the first floor is nearly complete. The new service point and Walk-in Reference room opened last week in time for the start of fall classes. The adjacent south reading area will be ready for public use by mid-September.

First floor view of the new service point and Walk-in Reference room facing SE from the Arts Quad entrance.
First floor view of the new service point and Walk-in Reference room facing SE from the Arts Quad entrance.

Phase 2, the lobby area, will be under construction until Winter Break. Please see the wayfinding image below to navigate from the west entrance to available library spaces and services.

Phase 2 wayfinding
Phase 2 wayfinding

Progress on the basement level is ongoing and completion is still on track for the end of the semester. Importantly, the renovated multi-use restrooms on that level are now open to the public.

Basement level restroom
Basement level restroom

 

March, 2024 – Demolition on the basement and phase 1 of the first floor is substantially complete. The photos below show the new wall framing and exposed waffle slab ceiling on both levels. Please click to enlarge.

Basement view of the future Anthropology Collaboratory entrance facing SE from the Student Commons.
Basement view of the future Anthropology Collaboratory entrance facing SE from the Student Commons.
Basement view of the future Map Collection display wall and public connecting stair facing N from the Student Commons.
Basement view of the future Map Collection display wall and public connecting stair facing N from the Student Commons.
Basement view of the future Anthropology Collaboratory facing E from the Student Commons.
Basement view of the future Anthropology Collaboratory facing E from the Student Commons.
First floor view of the future consultation rooms facing SW from the Olin/Kroch corridor.
First floor view of the future consultation rooms facing SW from the Olin/Kroch corridor.
First floor view of the new service point mockup facing SE from the Arts Quad entrance.
First floor view of the new service point mockup facing SE from the Arts Quad entrance.

What happened to materials in Olin’s basement?

Due to its weight, the map collection will stay in the basement. We will facilitate access to it throughout the project.

The rest of the basement collection has moved. The decision on where to move what parts of the collection was based primarily on usage data.

The high-use portions of the print collection moved to the Olin Library stacks and shelved there according to their call numbers (as on the third floor and Ks on the sixth floor.) 

Low-use portions of the collections moved to the Library Annex

Microforms, including the Olin microforms and Asia microforms, moved to the Annex

Items in the Annex can be used in three convenient ways: 

  • The physical items can be delivered to a library of your choice based on your request from the library catalog. A microform reader will be available in Olin Library.
  • A scan can be requested in the library catalog to be delivered via email. 
  • The items can be consulted or checked out at the Library Annex. There is a parking lot right next to the building and there is a reading room that includes microform readers.

Please subscribe for more details as they emerge.

If you have questions, please contact Jon Ladley, CUL’s Director of Facilities Planning:

jfl65@cornell.edu

607-255-3569