Kay Denfeld, Media Center
Glenda Pearson, Microform and Newspaper Collections
The UW Libraries Media Center moved back into its newly remodeled work space on the mezzanine of the Odegaard Undergraduate Library just in time for the beginning of Autumn Quarter. The removal of the south wall added 232 extra square feet and allowed the installation of compact shelving units, along with new carpeting and custom storage cabinets. Improvements include an ergonomically designed operator station at counter height; a wheelchair accessible requester window; and new cabling for Husky TV to improve the quality of off-air broadcasts taped at faculty request.
While the remodeling was being done by the architect Van Horne & Van Horne and the contractor, MDM, Inc., staff continued to upgrade the aging Telenorm system. VCRs for audio were installed to replace reel-to-reel decks that were wearing out and could no longer be repaired. Work continues on installing other equipment such as audiocassette recorders, CD changers, turntables, and new dubbing equipment. With the completion of the equipment upgrades and the remodeling, the Media Center is better able to meet student and faculty needs.
The Microform and Newspaper Collections also installed compact shelving units funded by an allocation from the 1995-97 Program Renewal Minor Repairs budget. The 12 units have increased storage capacity by up to 30 percent, holding over 44,000 reels of 35 mm microfilm, and replacing 73 standard microfilm floor cabinets. The staff has been busy shifting the 150,000 reel collection.
The remainder of the allocation is purchasing new tables, more microfilm readers and microform printers, and other equipment additions and upgrades for library users.