November 18, 2009

While many UNH community members consider Dimond the “new Library” and are surprised to learn that it’s been more than 10 years since the last major renovation to this wonderful space, the feedback from the recent LibQUAL Survey and space surveys by the Library’s Facilities Committee each semester prove that it’s time to redesign the space.

Not only have trends in teaching and learning changed, the library world has changed too. Fortunately, these changes intersect! As the Library world shifts from print to electronic access to resources, we can redesign our space to meet the obvious need for more collaborative and group study space. We’re also responding to your feedback for the need for more quiet study space, computers, and power and network outlets.

Therefore, requests for proposals were sent earlier this fall to local and national architectural firms and after presentations by four finalists in mid October, Gund Partnership (the firm responsible for the renovation in 1998) was chosen to work with UNH faculty, staff and community stakeholders to draft an incremental space redesign plan for Dimond Library. Planning is underway and Gund Partnership will be on campus in the early Spring to facilitate focus groups to inform the space redesign.

In the meantime, thanks to all who took the time to share their comments and suggestions via LibQUAL and continue to share their ideas through Library’s comment webpage. We look forward to your continued support and feedback.

May 8, 2009

If you’re looking for quiet study areas in Dimond Library during finals, look for the “Q” in the following areas:

• Level Five
• Level Three:
  • Hubbard Reading Room
  • Addison Reading Room

Library faculty and staff are aware there is increasing request for quiet study space in Dimond Library. Please know we’re working to implement changes to provide this.

Best of luck with finals!

October 17, 2008

An article about the University Library is currently featured in The New Hampshire:

Dimond Library gets more packed than ever

The story, which includes quotes from Sherry Vellucci, Dean of the Library, discusses the increase in people coming into Dimond Library, up 24% from this time last year. It also discusses some of the possible solutions to increase available space.

September 16, 2008

The building now known as Dimond Library opened to the public as the “New” University Library in October 1958. After an addition in late 1969, it witnessed many changes well into the 1990s. After closing for renovation in January 1997, the new, improved Dimond Library opened to the public 10 years ago this fall.

To celebrate both of these landmarks, the library invites you to join us in celebrating Dimond Library’s birthday year. To help mark the celebration, we’ll host a new round of our popular New Hampshire Authors’ Series, beginning with an interview with mystery and outdoor writer William Tapply on October 19th.

On Saturday, November 15th, we’ll be co-hosting a symposium on the vocal works of Amy Cheney Beach, New Hampshire’s own composer, which will feature her biographer, Adrienne Fried Block. This will coincide with Professor David Ripley’s production of Beach’s one act opera, The Cabildo, which will open that evening in Johnson Theater. In between, we’ll be working together to enhance services, support our research community, and become more sustainable in our operations.

To help kick off this celebration, library staff Dale Valena, Mylinda Woodward, and Diane Tebbetts have put together some panels featuring changes in library services in the past 50 years. These were unveiled at the recent University Day and will be placed around the building for the rest of the year.

In addition, we’ve opened this year with the cutting of a Dimond Library birthday cake, in the Murkland Courtyard, as part of the University Picnic. Thank you to all who joined us in wishing Happy Birthday, Dimond Library!

August 26, 2008

Water has been restored to Dimond Library, Murkland Hall, and Thompson Hall.