Dear University Students, Faculty, Staff and Visitors:

The renovation of the Butler Library proceeds with great success. Reading rooms have been expanded and refurbished. The organization and management of the collections are being improved. The mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, air conditioning, heating, fire protection, security and lighting systems are being upgraded.

The net result is that the largest library in the system of 25 libraries at Columbia is a better place to study and work. Expanded spaces are also being provided for initiatives such as the Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning (CCNMTL), the Electronic Publishing Initiative at Columbia (EPIC), and the Oral History Research Office.

During the current academic year (2005-06), construction will focus on the upper floors and stack levels.  The final stages to complete the building renovation include renovating the stacks housing the rare book and manuscript collections, and creating all new study areas assigned to graduate students featuring improved power and data support. In addition, the project will expand the mechanical systems, replace the roof and repair the facade of the building.  We anticipate this work will be completed in 2007.

We will continue to maintain full services and access to the collections as the renovation of Butler proceeds. We will keep you informed about the work of the project on a regular basis through information on the project web site and postings throughout the building. And we will seek to minimize any inconvenience to students and researchers using the collections and study areas in Butler. As always, we value enormously your patience, cooperation and support.

James G. Neal
Vice President for Information Services and
University Librarian

Questions? e-mail cul.butler.ren@libraries.cul.columbia.edu