Changes coming to UW-Madison libraries

The UW–Madison Libraries, like other departments on the UW campus, are planning for additional efficiencies in library services, resources, and operations in the face of fiscal pressures.

To respond to the situation, the libraries are re-aligning priorities, reorganizing staff and services, merging print collections, consolidating duplicate service points and assessing user needs, according to director Ken Frazier.

The libraries have already begun to merge duplicate print collections, consolidate services, and modernize and repurpose library spaces.

One upcoming step will be the integration of the Biology Library into Steenbock Library. Beginning after the end of the spring semester on Friday, May 20, the non-duplicative print collection (journals and books) will be transferred from Biology Library to Steenbock Library.

Some of the rare history of science materials from Biology will be transferred to Memorial Library’s Department of Special Collections. All of the reserve services (print and electronic) will be moved to Steenbock Library. The transfer of materials will continue into the summer.

“All services critical to the affected departments will continue to be fully supported,” Frazier says.

Librarian Amanda Werhane at Steenbock Library has been designated as the interim liaison librarian for the Departments of Botany and Zoology. Additional library services such as campus document delivery, reference and information services, instruction, interlibrary loan, and access to the print collections will remain available during and after the merger.

The Libraries have also offered their expertise to assist the College of Letters and Science and the Departments of Botany and Zoology as they explore options for repurposing the current Biology Library location in Birge Hall.

The mission of UW Libraries remains unchanged, Frazier adds.

“We will continue to provide exemplary information services designed to support the teaching, learning, research, and outreach mission of UW–Madison,” he says. “The efficiency measures being put in place will enable us to meet the needs of this great public research university.”