September 14, 2016

When the fall term begins on September 19, the second level of W. W. Hagerty Library will look a little different to library patrons. An expansion of the library's collection of oversize items is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed by the end of next month. When completed, the expanded oversize collection will see additions pulled from all parts of the collection. Sections that will see significant changes include Fine Arts (N) and Technology (T).

The current oversize collection is located in the lower level of the library on the mobile shelving in the rear of the level. Due to its small size and location, it is rarely used. Other large items are shelved throughout the second floor of the library; however, the size of these items can make them difficult to access, as they protrude into the aisles and create obstacles for patrons with limited mobility or for quick exit in the event of an emergency.

Over the next several weeks, library staff will perform the move. Larger items in the collection (an estimated 6,300 items) will be pulled and the general collection will be shifted back to create open shelves at the front. The oversize items from both the current collection and the items pulled for the project will be shelved together. All items will keep their original call numbers to make searching for them easier.

As the project moves forward through September, patrons looking for items affected by the move may not be able to find them. They are advised to check the location of the item in the catalog on the Libraries website at library.drexel.edu, to see if the item is listed as part of the oversize collection. If they find a book they would like to see, they may place a hold on the book and library staff will retrieve it. Patrons interested in browsing the oversize collection should contact a library staff member for assistance.

At the project's completion, all oversize items will be combined in one location. They will sit at the front of the library stacks, before the general collection begins, to make them visible to all patrons entering the level. Both the new oversize section and the general collection will be cleaner, with fewer books sticking out from the shelves, creating a better experience for patrons and staff.