This week’s message is a mixture of announcements and discussion points that I want to make sure staff are aware of. Some are in the planning stages; some are final decisions. There are a variety of topics this week—not focused on one particular theme.
Planning has started for welcoming additional faculty, staff and research groups to return to campus. Some groups will return prior to August (such as DBMI) while others will return throughout the summer and fall (i.e. administrative office staff).
Saturday March 20th was the official first day of Spring. As I walk around the city, I see signs of spring—green buds on trees, daffodils, crocuses and tulips starting to sprout.
CAT has had a number of working sessions to discuss and incorporate the feedback that was received surrounding the diversity plan. Attached is the compilation of edits, and this plan will be discussed and presented...
As we approach the second year of the pandemic, I have been reflecting on the lessons learned and how we have been able to quickly pivot our work, rethink how best to serve our community, and build connections despite these challenging times.
Steve Maiorisi, Chief Campus Planning and Facilities Officer, shared the attached slides with me this week. The charts and graphs exhibit HMS’s study space data and trends from February 19th to February 26th.
At Countway we know from the medical, dental, public health, and graduate students who are using us that being open has played a very positive role in helping them emerge from the shutdowns, accomplish their academic work, and feel less alone.
In the midst of a difficult week filled with news of the disastrous weather conditions in Texas and the difficulties with signing up and locating vaccine appointments in our own state, there was some exciting news too...
By now, we have experienced nearly a year of work through a pandemic. This has occurred during the backdrop of personal challenges, national unrest and racial inequity and injustice.
One of the most challenging problems medical libraries are facing right now, besides COVID is moving toward achieving a state of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
On Tuesday, Luciana and I presented to the HMS Business Continuity Task Force (BCTDF) an update on Countway's reopening. We discussed specifics as well as lessons learned and feedback from the students. We also showed pictures of the renovation to illustrate the variety of study spaces available for reservation.
We have turned a page in the library. Phase 1 of the renovation is complete except for punch list items and minor construction issues that follow with any renovation project. We are starting a new chapter.
