Week 38: Countway Library Renovation Update

Elaine Martin Director’s Corner

This week, the newly renovated library is coming alive. In addition to finishing touches being made inside the building, the furniture is being delivered. On Thursday, Dean Daley did a walkthrough. It was a pleasure having the opportunity for me and Mike Nazzaro, Associate Director of Operations for Engineering and Construction, to guide the tour. The dean was truly impressed with the design, the work, the finishes and the way the space reflected the openness we want to convey to our community. He just kept repeating “Wow!” One word says it all sometimes.

Luciana prepared a quick and dirty brochure that reminds us again of what our goals were for this renovation, the phases, and our commitment to making Countway a welcoming space for all our community that we could give to Dean Daley. We will be working with our design firm Shepley Bulfinch on a more professional marketing document and pictures once all the furniture arrives and we open in early January.

Mike Nazzaro prepared a set of pictures/slides which he had presented during one of the Facilities meetings. He shared those with us.

I have attached below the preliminary brochure and you may find Mike’s presentation slides here. Both give you a sense of the exciting changes to the physical space. The transformation is truly remarkable.

Plans continue to evolve surrounding the January opening. I will have more to share regarding opening procedures in next week’s message.

Elaine

Countway Library renovation brochure page 1 with 3 vertical panels. Panel 1 has the heading Countway Library 2019-2021 Renovation. The text below reads: The renovation transformation allows Countway to engage and align users to its mission of service, education, and research by capitalizing on the strengths of its space, staff and collections. The library demonstrates leadership in its commitment to interdisciplinary activities that serve all its users and provides them with resources and space when needed. Over-arching principles of this transformation include Countway’s responsibility to share its rich resources with Harvard’s Medical and Dental Schools, and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as well as the entire Longwood Medical area. Other principles are fostering diversity through building community and bringing the inside out and the outside in. This strategic space plan gives meaning and relevance to Countway Library as we embark on our information pathway of the 21st century. We are excited to share the transformation of the Countway Library and look forward to the many exciting changes expected to be complete by January 2021. Elaine Martin, MSLS, DA Director and Chief Administrative Officer, followed by a picture rendering of the Countway Connection Café. Panel 2 includes a picture rendering of the new library entrance on Huntington Ave., a picture rendering of the new quiet Russell Reading Room, a picture rendering of turnstiles via new entry, a picture rendering of pop-up COOP shop, and a picture rendering of Makerspace area. Panel 3 has the heading The 3 Phases. The text reads: The three phases of this transformation bring new community spaces, meeting rooms, group study areas, an additional entrance at Huntington Avenue, and accessibility improvements. Phase 1 of the renovation began in October 2019 and focused on second floor improvements, which consist of a new Russell Reading Room, new employee offices, mother’s room, prayer room, telephone room, group study rooms, additional restrooms (women, men, and all gender), and architectural finishes on the second floor atrium. In addition to this, Phase 1 included the installation of a bridge from Huntington Avenue to a brand new entrance on the east side of the library. The bridge on Huntington Avenue will promote community collaboration and lead to an interprofessional, mutual space for everyone to go, regardless of affiliation. Phase 2 of the renovation began immediately after Phase 1 in Spring 2020 and included the relocation of the Russell Reading Room to the second floor, relocation of the Circulation Desk to Lower Level 1, new security desk station, new entrance, café, pop-up COOP, multi-function meeting rooms, and updated restrooms. Phase 3 primarily consisted of improvements to the Shattuck Street entrance, new landscaping, and improved accessibility inside and outside of the library. This 11-month project brings several new features to the library. For example, a technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization system for anatomy and physiology education called the Anatomage Table highlights the Maker Space on the first floor. Also, self-service lockers are installed on Lower Level 1 for patrons who put books on hold and are accessible with the use of a code. In addition to this, the building will become more accessible both indoors and outdoors, welcoming everyone to experience the library for all its offerings.

Countway Library renovation brochure page 2 with 3 vertical panels. Panel 4's heading is Healthy Building Initiative. The text reads: In 2016, the Harvard Office for Sustainability was awarded an inaugural grant from the President's Administrative Innovation Fund to establish the Healthier Building Materials Academy, with the intent to identify and track high-risk chemicals in building materials and eliminate exposure in the University’s built environment. For the Countway Library Renovation, the Harvard Office of Sustainability worked with the design team to ensure that the following building materials do not contain the targeted high-risk chemicals: Wall finishes, including paints, wall tile, grout, and wall bases; Flooring finishes, including carpet, rugs, walk off mats, ceramic tile, terrazzo flooring; Millwork, including countertops and casework; Ceiling tiles & finishes; and Window treatments, including roller shades. The Countway renovation leads the HMS campus by adhering to the Healthier Hospitals Initiative. Furniture vendors that adhere to this standard were selected, and the library supports the healthcare without harm initiative through its furnishings and designs. The heading for Panel 5 is Project Goals. The text reads: Creation of program and space that is reflective of a 21st Century Health Science & Medical Library; A program that aligns, supports, reflects HMS strategic goals: Promoting Innovation, Discovery & Academic Excellence, Increasing Collaboration; Enabling Success through Developing People; Process Improvement and Advanced Technology; Building a Culture of Diversity & Inclusion; and Organizing our Intellectual Community to Solve Societal Problems. Features of New Spaces: Natural Light/ views; Studying + coffee/ café; Places for study breaks; Opportunities for interdisciplinary events/ idea exchange; More collaborative work space; Structured study space: table surface for materials, ergonomically appropriate; Multi-use instruction/ event space; Variety in display/ exhibit settings. Panel 6 includes a picture rendering of new exterior landscaping and the following quote: Countway’s commitment to service is a programmatic approach using a purposeful plan of action that is strategic and nimble enough to adapt to the rapidly changing health sciences, technology, and information environment. Preparing students for a career in the health professions, assisting faculty with their research and curriculum, and providing evidence-based information in support of patient care have always been important dimensions of Countway’s work. However, in today’s world, these goals need to be achieved with greater focus and effectiveness in new types of spaces. from Elaine Martin. This is followed by a picture rendering of Countway Cuddles and community collaboration corner.