Last year, University of Houston Libraries initiated exploring new and effective ways to reposition the library setting in alignment with current infrastructure enhancements and strategic goals of the University. While ensuring we have critical resources both in print and electronic formats, we have begun an intentional, scaled approach to collections assessment and development, which will soon revitalize a large portion of the MD Anderson Library’s physical space for research, learning, and study.

Key Dates

October 16: Floors 7 and 8 of MD Anderson Library will be closed for an extended period to visitors and seating will be redistributed within the library. Books currently housed in these locations will be moved to off-site storage and will be available by request through interlibrary loan.

December 4: Users will be able to discover collections records in the catalog and request for check-out.

This activity signals the first phase of preparation toward building the Digital Humanities Core facility on floor 7 in partnership with the Division of Research, and complements the University’s anticipated innovation hub; while floor 8 will be cleared for new engagement spaces.

The collections and space project prioritizes critical needs of UH students, faculty, and the scholarly community. For libraries supporting R1 institutions (Carnegie-designated as the most research-intensive), the emphasis on circulating print resources has decreased, while preference for and usage of electronic resources has exponentially increased.

UH Libraries serves as a partner in curricular and scholarly activities, and this project enables a thoughtful and holistic study of the spaces and services offered to provide an enhanced experience of research and learning, alongside collaborative and scalable specialist knowledge.

The collections and space project will span several years and connects to the long-term vision of a reimagined library, where ideas converge, spaces inspire, and people connect.

How will this benefit UH students?

Students will continue to have access to all resources currently offered at UH Libraries during the stacks relocation. The stacks relocation will:

• free significant library space earmarked for independent and group immersive study areas
• facilitate direct experience with research activities taking place on campus via programming
• prioritize tech capacities

How will students be able to access the collections?

For the October 16 – December 4 collections relocation period, students can request titles via interlibrary loan. After this period, users will be able to discover collections records in the catalog and request for check-out.

How will this impact UH faculty?

Stakeholder engagement will continue throughout the project as necessary to ensure we are offering effective and meaningful services and expertise.

The DH Core and engagement spaces support complex research partnerships and services already provided by UH Libraries via our commitment to the research and learning lifecycle. The new spaces will strengthen the Libraries’ capability to serve as the University’s center for intellectual readiness and provide more flexibility which can amplify scholarly productivity.

How will faculty be able to access the collections?

For the October 16 – December 4 collections relocation period, faculty can request titles via interlibrary loan. After this period, users will be able to discover collections records in the catalog and request for check-out.

How can faculty learn more?

Dean Athena Jackson will be available for any requests to present information and address questions at faculty meetings.

Questions

Contact collections@uh.edu with your questions.