UCSD Biomedical Library Addition: FAQ

Project Home Page

Frequently-Asked Questions

Why is UCSD expanding and renovating its Biomedical Library?
The current building was constructed in 1969 and has long since outlived its usefulness:
The Library was designed to accommodate a user population of approximately 800. Today, the library provides services to more than 4000 students and faculty.
The Library was built in the era of card catalogs, printed indexes and abstracts and individual study. In today’s library, more than half our journals are available in electronic format, many user transactions can be handled online, and students want to work in groups.
There have been no major renovations, data infrastructure or technology upgrades, or expansion, in the last 30 years. The building lacks the infrastructure we need to support modern information transfer.

What will this project do?
We are adding an addition to the existing Biomedical Library and renovating the existing space. The project will provide:
Well designed space to house UCSD's biomedical collections
Technology to support active use of biomedical information
A variety of environments that facilitate both quiet reflection and active group study
Enhanced access with entries both north and south
Flexible design that will support biomedical information needs for years to come

Who is planning this project?
As in all UCSD capital planning projects, a Building Advisory Committee, consisting of faculty, students, architects, campus planners, and infrastructure specialists, provides oversight for the project. Susan Starr, Director of the Biomedical Library, chairs the Committee. A variety of campus committees, staff at the Office of the President, and the UC Board of Regents, have also contributed to the design of the building.

How big will the building be?
The Addition will be 23,330 assignable square feet (ASF). The 27,764 ASF existing building will be completely renovated. The entire building will be 51,098 ASF when completed.

Where will the addition be located?
The addition will be a two-story structure completely integrated into the south side of the existing building.

How long will the construction take?
Approximately two years.

When will the construction begin?
Construction began in January 2005, and we hope to have the project completed by the end of summer 2006.

How will Biomedical Library services be provided during the construction period?
The Biomedical Library has moved into temporary new quarters in the Geisel Library, Lower Level, West Wing. We will return to the current location after the completion of the project. The Library's onsite collection and services are available in the new temporary location. The collection is in compact shelving and the Biomedical Library service desk, photocopiers, computers, current journals, etc. are located near the collection. Floorplans are available showing the temporary location in Geisel.

When will you be back in the new Biomedical Library?
We are planning to be moved back in and open for business by August, 2006.

Who is the architect for the project?
Stephen Johnson, of Pfeiffer Partners of Los Angeles (formerly HHPA), is the principal architect for the project.

When was the current Biomedical Library built and who designed it?
The current Biomed Library opened in 1969 and was designed by the late architect Robert E. Alexander.

Will the unique roof of the present library remain?
Yes, the present building has a very unique and distinctive roof shape consisting of a series of poured concrete hyperbolic parabolas which will remain. Adding onto this distinctive structure provided architectural challenges.

How will this project be funded?
The State is providing $17 million for the project. The UCSD Libraries and UCSD Academic Affairs have contributed additional funds. The Libraries hope to raise an additional $10 million to furnish and equip the new library and to endow its collections.

Last updated: May 23, 2006

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	Why is UCSD expanding and renovating its Biomedical Library? The current building was constructed in 1969 and has long since outlived its usefulness: The Library was designed to accommodate a user population of approximately 800. Today, the library provides services to more than 4000 students and faculty. The Library was built in the era of card catalogs, printed indexes and abstracts and individual study. In today’s library, more than half our journals are available in electronic format, many user transactions can be handled online, and students want to work in groups. There have been no major renovations, data infrastructure or technology upgrades, or expansion, in the last 30 years. The building lacks the infrastructure we need to support modern information transfer.
	What will this project do? We are adding an addition to the existing Biomedical Library and renovating the existing space. The project will provide: Well designed space to house UCSD's biomedical collections Technology to support active use of biomedical information A variety of environments that facilitate both quiet reflection and active group study Enhanced access with entries both north and south Flexible design that will support biomedical information needs for years to come
	Who is planning this project? As in all UCSD capital planning projects, a Building Advisory Committee, consisting of faculty, students, architects, campus planners, and infrastructure specialists, provides oversight for the project. Susan Starr, Director of the Biomedical Library, chairs the Committee. A variety of campus committees, staff at the Office of the President, and the UC Board of Regents, have also contributed to the design of the building.
	How big will the building be? The Addition will be 23,330 assignable square feet (ASF). The 27,764 ASF existing building will be completely renovated. The entire building will be 51,098 ASF when completed.
	Where will the addition be located? The addition will be a two-story structure completely integrated into the south side of the existing building.
	How long will the construction take? Approximately two years.
	When will the construction begin? Construction began in January 2005, and we hope to have the project completed by the end of summer 2006.
	How will Biomedical Library services be provided during the construction period? The Biomedical Library has moved into temporary new quarters in the Geisel Library, Lower Level, West Wing. We will return to the current location after the completion of the project. The Library's onsite collection and services are available in the new temporary location. The collection is in compact shelving and the Biomedical Library service desk, photocopiers, computers, current journals, etc. are located near the collection. Floorplans are available showing the temporary location in Geisel.
	When will you be back in the new Biomedical Library? We are planning to be moved back in and open for business by August, 2006.
	Who is the architect for the project? Stephen Johnson, of Pfeiffer Partners of Los Angeles (formerly HHPA), is the principal architect for the project.
	When was the current Biomedical Library built and who designed it? The current Biomed Library opened in 1969 and was designed by the late architect Robert E. Alexander.
	Will the unique roof of the present library remain? Yes, the present building has a very unique and distinctive roof shape consisting of a series of poured concrete hyperbolic parabolas which will remain. Adding onto this distinctive structure provided architectural challenges.
	How will this project be funded? The State is providing $17 million for the project. The UCSD Libraries and UCSD Academic Affairs have contributed additional funds. The Libraries hope to raise an additional $10 million to furnish and equip the new library and to endow its collections.



Last updated: May 23, 2006