From December 2019 to March 2020, the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library will be undergoing construction to enhance student study and learning spaces to improve the library user experience.
Project Scope
The focus of the East Asian Library Space Revitalization Project involves the creation of a variety of learning and study spaces, including an open collaboration and event/exhibit area, an active learning instruction space, and quiet study spaces.
Our public event space, which is currently located at the far back of the library, will be moved to the front of the library near the entrance area. This space will be used as a flexible learning space where moderate noise is allowed. When the library is hosting public events, this space will be converted into a dynamic and engaging space that showcases campus teaching, learning and research and how it relates to the world, thereby fostering interdisciplinary and community engagement.
This change will facilitate creation of student study spaces that will be designed to meet students’ diverse learning styles. When not in use for special events, the front area of the library will become a collaborative, independent learning zone, while the back end of the library will become devoted to quiet study spaces with posted noise-level indicators.
Also, our current seminar room (Room 8051) will be redesigned in order to provide greater room configuration flexibility to integrate and support teaching and learning. This innovative space will enhance collaboration, improve knowledge transfer and engage multiple learning styles, and will be open to students for use as study space when not booked for departmental instruction or meetings.
The Space Revitalization Project will also employ design decisions that reinforce the ability of the library to adapt and evolve to meet diverse and changing needs by providing additional power outlets throughout the library, as well as task lighting for carrels. It will provide flexible and adaptable furnishings and infrastructure to serve the diverse information and programming needs of the library.
Finally, the project will enhance the connection of the East Asian Library to the campus by creating a more intuitive path to the library entrance. Under the project, the library will be given clear and attractive wayfinding from the public elevator to its entrance.
Service
The East Asian Library’s general public services will not be interrupted during construction. However, the Loan Services Desk and the Reference Desk will be moved to a temporary location in the library on December 6, 2019. Door 8033 will be used as our temporary main entrance. During construction, access to the rare book and protected material collection will be closed. The two LIRA stations in the front area of the library will be moved at the back of the library where our Current Resources Centre is located. In addition, during the construction period, there may be times when high levels of noise may be experienced. Earplugs will be made available at our Loan Services Desk, or users may wish to seek out quieter areas in other parts of the building at such times.
Should you have any questions regarding the East Asian Library’s Space Revitalization Project, please direct them to Hana Kim, Director of the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library (hn.kim@utoronto.ca | 416-978-7690).
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to offering our patrons a more vibrant and versatile space in the near future.