The Engineering and Computer Science Library (ECSL), located in the Sandford Fleming Building, has quietly undergone a bit of renovation. Though it was reopened without fanfare on January 10, after an 18-month closure, the changes are significant and extremely beneficial to its student users. A formal open house and opening ceremony is planned for May 10.
The removal of numerous shelves full of books and journals allowed for the transformation of spaces to offer more enclosed group study rooms. More than 15,000 items were removed to make way for the changes, representing some 50 per cent of the library’s entire collection.
The two-floor library retains its signature sweeping staircase as a centrepiece, but has dramatically changed floor layout on the first floor’s north end and the second floor’s south end. Not only are there more enclosed group study rooms, loaded with tech and connections, but an entire new classroom, many new individual study carrels, as well as an enlarged designated quiet study space.
A favourite feature of the renovation is not the addition of any dedicated space or tech, but the new availability of natural light illuminating the interior. Previously, many windows were blocked by an interior mezzanine; the resulting source of natural light from 10 windows has added a lofty spaciousness to the library ambiance.
“We are thrilled with our renovation! It’s been really gratifying to see students enjoying our upgraded space during the last term,” remarks Angela Henshilwood, Head of the Engineering & Computer Science Library (ECSL).. The renovation has been many years in the making, but I think it beautifully incorporates the needs of our user groups – especially engineering students who need space for group work as well as quiet study space – and we’re excited to show it off to everyone during our open house on May 10.”
An open house is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10, with drop-ins encouraged to explore the new facilities. Formal remarks are to be made at 3:15 p.m., including remarks from Engineering Dean Christopher Yip. The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (FASE) c0-funded the project.
By the numbers:
- 18 months closed (since July 2020) – reopened January 10, 2022
- 15,000+ books and journals were transferred to our offsite preservation facility (Downsview) to make room for more student study space
- 50 per cent of the ECSL collection (in linear feet) that was transferred offsite
- 4 group study rooms added – all equipped with screens and white boards, and one room also includes teleconferencing equipment
- 1 classroom added, which can seat 30 students and is also equipped with screens for active learning
- 10 exposed windows– in the group study/classroom area, many windows were uncovered, which had previously been blocked because of the mezzanine that was there. They let in natural light and are a favourite feature of our renovation.
- 10 large group study tables on the main floor now added
- 140 seats added all together, lounge seating, and 30 computer workstations – this floor is mostly for group work and can be quite lively!
- 71 individual study carrels on the second floor, there are now more lounge furniture,
- 6 additional computer workstations
- 40 individual study carrels installed on the second floor in the south room, and have designated this room for silent study – before the renovation a quiet study spot was hard to find in our library!
- 6ACH+ a major upgrade to our HVAC system, so the number of air changes per hour (ACH) meets or exceeds the ASHRAE standard.
By Phill Snel
Take a tour around the Engineering and Computer Science Library (ECSL),
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