Libraries Periodical Transfer Project Paves Way for New Student Spaces

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries has nearly completed a months-long project to create more student space at Central Library.

Libraries staff have been working since February to identify print journals that are also available digitally or through existing Libraries partnerships, and transfer them from the Central Library’s third floor to the Library Collections Depository (LCD).

The space where these periodicals were once shelved in Central Library will be remodeled for student use once the transfer is complete.

“The LCD transfer and remodel of the third floor reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining access to quality collections while creating access to quality spaces,” said Rebecca Bichel, dean of UTA Libraries. “These improvements, as well as renovations to the second floor, will offer additional collaborative and study space, and make the academic support services in the Academic Plaza more visible to students.”

The project was made possible in part by financial support from the President’s office and the I.D.E.A.S. Center.

David Hayden, stacks manager and lead on the LCD project, says that the driving force behind the transfer is student success.

“We are here to help the student succeed,” Hayden said. “Having these open spaces will create a new and vibrant learning environment for our students.”

This project also required shifting and consolidating of the LCD collection to make space for the transferred periodicals. Chris Simpson, library specialist responsible for the LCD, says the two-pronged approach was essential to accomplish the Libraries goals.

“As our student population continues to grow, the Libraries will need space that can accommodate their needs,” Simpson said. “Removing the third-floor periodicals collection (and the shelving there) will be a big help towards this goal because it provides the Libraries with a creative opportunity to redesign that area in a way that will best support our students.”

Donna Kelley, library specialist in stacks management, says space is an issue facing many academic libraries—and hopes the LCD project will make UTA Libraries more accessible to all.

“Some students will come to the Libraries and discover new worlds and opportunities,” Kelley said. “It is our job to make knowledge available to whomever seeks it at whatever age.”

The LCD transfer should be complete by Fall 2020. Students and faculty can learn how to request items from the LCD on the Libraries website.