Library Flooring Project

Schaffer Library will have new flooring installed over the next year. Work will be performed during breaks between terms: summer 2023, winter 2023-4, and summer 2024. No work will be performed during terms.

** Please note: Several physical books and other items from our basement stacks will be unavailable summer 2024. **

Project Timeline

Summer 2023 (complete)

✓ First floor public areas

✓ Circulation Desk

✓ Learning Lab

✓ Second floor public areas

✓ Second floor offices

✓ Writing Center

✓ Third floor offices and hallways

✓ Group Study Rooms

Winter 2023 - 2024 (Complete)

✓ Second floor stacks

✓ First floor office areas (CDLS)

✓ Special Collections & Archives

Summer 2024 (final phase)

✓ Basement stacks

Please see our Floor Directory & Maps page for more information about collections within these areas.

How can I access library resources?

We are here to help! We recognize that visitors to the library may experience inconveniences and access limitations throughout the various phases of this project. The services below will help you get the materials you need with minimal disruption.

Note: Building hours during summer and winter breaks are Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm.

  • Print and physical materials

    Several of our physical collections in the basement stacks will be unavailable this summer: DVDs, Government Documents, microformat, bound periodicals/journals, and items in our circulating collection classed E-Z by the Library of Congress. Physical materials on the first and second floors of the building will remain accessible. Please see our Floor Directory & Maps page for more information about where our collections are located.

    Members of the Union College community are encouraged to search in Primo (the library’s search platform) to check the availability of print and physical items. Items from the basement collections will show in Primo as “Not available - In Process” and can be obtained through Interlibrary Loan instead.

    To request an item through Interlibrary Loan, sign in to Primo and then click on the item to find the “Get It” area. Use the “Request (ILLiad)” link to generate and submit an ILLiad request.

    Screenshot of Book Not Available in Primo
    A screenshot of a Primo search result with the “Not available - In Process” message.

     
    Get It Primo Record with Request Highlighted

    Get It Primo Record with Request Highlighted

    When your Interlibrary Loan item is ready, you will receive an email from ILLiad. Physical items will be available to pick up from our self-service hold shelf. Articles and book chapters will be delivered electronically to your ILLiad account.

    Faculty preparing for the Fall 24 term can utilize the Course Reserves link in the “Get It” area to request reserve items ahead of time. Faculty will be notified when their requests have been processed.

  • Library Service Desk

    Library and IT staff are available to answer questions, assist with locating library items, and provide technical support.

  • Public Computer Access

    Mac and PC computers are available throughout the building for public use.

  • Printing

    Printing will continue to be available in the Learning Commons on the first floor.

  • Equipment

    Loaner laptops and iPads will be available to the Union College community for short-term loan. A limited number of device chargers will also be available. All equipment is located at the Service Desk.

  • Interlibrary Loan

    There will be no disruption to the Interlibrary Loan service. To place a request, see our Interlibrary Loan page.

  • Off-campus access to electronic resources

    Due to the limited availability of print materials, we encourage use of our electronic resources- both on and off campus. Please see our Connecting from Off-Campus page for more information.

  • Study Spaces

    All study spaces in the basement will be unavailable, including Group Study Rooms. Study areas throughout the rest of the building will be available for individual and group study.

What should I expect when I arrive at the library?

noise icon

Noise

Noise as furniture is moved, carpeting is installed, and installers communicate.
dust icon

Dust

Dust as older carpeting is being removed.
limited access

Limited Access

Limited access to areas of the building as installation proceeds, including reduction in elevator access and access to some areas restricted.