Update on Reference Area "Adjustments"

Last week, I asked you for your thoughts about what needs changing in our relocated Reference setting.

Today, Heather, Lynn and I met with Paul and Anthony M. from HCL Operations. Here's the upshot:

1. The Reference Desk will be moved to the area between the two pillars directly behind the doorchecker's perch. This move will solve the problems of visibility for Admin, Circ, and us. It will also put us front and center as patrons come in the door. And finally, it will be "in line" with our claims to the east alcoves as the Reference space during this transitional year.

2. The "Reference" letters will move to the right when we do. Paul thinks both the signage and the desk can happen quickly -- within a week or so. Savini will move the letters; Office Environments will be enlisted to move the desk.

3. Paul will speak with Jeff B. (ITS) on Wednesday about suspending the sit-down computer's CPU beneath the desk (as is done in the Larsen Room). This arrangement will open up workspace and, more importantly, lower the monitor so that those of us who are short won't disappear behind the screen.

4. Our request for a ledge for the Reference desk will be pursued. Anthony will find out our options and send them on to us. Expect this change to happen four weeks after we make our decision about the ledge.

5. Paul is open to the ideas about rethinking the placement of the printers. They will take the space now occupied by the scanner. In an interesting turn of events, he agreed to put the scanner on the other side of the "jog" that is currently covered up by the construction wall. This change will not happen until the wall comes down in mid-September when we can better assess whether the scanner will actually fit snugly enough in that space.

If these changes are agreeable to administration, we'll have an additional benefit. The west alcove that now houses the printers can be returned to study space.

6. The worktables we offer students will remain where they are: in the aisle between the west side alcoves. That's the best we can do at the moment and at least we'll keep the staplers, 3 hole punch, and other supplies close to where students will use them.

7. Colleen's wish for high chair without wheels has been granted. To maximize her comfort, this chair will come with a back, a footrest, and (presumably), no arms to deal with.

8. Heather will pursue with Beth the additional signs we need identifying library computer stations.