Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library History: Part Six 2010's
Chapter 1, Evolution of Space
On October 4, 1971 the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library was dedicated, bringing health sciences library services to a permanent home at the University of Utah. From the beginning, we have been known for pioneering new ideas, new technologies, and innovative partnerships. This exhibition series will showcase our history, from the first health sciences library collection in 1908 to the present-day.
2010’s Table of Contents:
- Evolution of Space
- Changing Access
- Innovative Service
- Discovering Technology
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
- Notable Events, Faculty, & Staff
Ceiling Project Continues
“As of January 11, 2010,
our physical building is closed.
With much planning, resourcefulness and creativity,
library services and resources continue to be available
to our Spencer. S. Eccles Health Sciences Library users.
Public Services staff have completed their move to
the Spencer F. and Cleone P. Eccles Health Sciences
Education Building, Room 2080.”
–eSynapse Newsletter, Volume 25 #1, 2010
“Ceiling Project Phase II is nearly complete. The main and upper floor ceiling and lighting is in place and preparation for Phase III has begun. Skylights (Solatubes) have been installed in the atrium areas which is not only aesthetically pleasing but energy efficient.”
“All books, journals, documents and media are now being moved from the south end of the Lower Level to the Main and Upper Levels. Mary McFarland is working closely with professional movers and UTemps crews to coordinate the move. All services continue to be provided from various temporary offices and service locations until we can return to the library.”
“The library was given additional monies to upgrade and expand the existing compact shelving system. It will house the entire [print] collection on the lower level and will be installed upon completion of Phase III in mid-July. The Main Level is being redesigned to offer expanded study and online workspace.”
–eSynapse Newsletter, Volume 25 #2, 2010
What’s happening on the Lower Level?
“Our previous compact shelving is being
repaired and additional shelving added.
As shelves are installed, we will move and
consolidate our various journal collections
incrementally. It will take until the end of
December 2010 to get all of the shelving in
place and the print collection moved to the
Lower Level.”
“We will be housing a research support
center in our Lower Level. The design and
construction for this will start soon.
Students, faculty and staff will be able to
use this new one stop shop support center.
It will also house the administrators of the
Clinical and Translational Science Award.”
“We’re Back! Well, almost . . . hopefully by the time you are reading this, the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library is once again operating from within its physical building. We don’t know who is more delighted you or us!“
–Jean Shipman, EHSL Director, eSynapse Newsletter, Volume 25 #3, 2010
“The Main Floor of the Library will serve as a large information commons with computers and study areas.”
Library Re-Opens
What started as a ceiling project in 2009 snowballed to include:
- The removal of asbestos
- Installation of a new fire alert and sprinkler system
- Replacement of network wiring
- Installation of new overhead lights
- 14 solar tubes
- New ceiling tiles
- Resolve furniture pods for individual and group study on the main level
- Shifting all of our print materials to new compact shelving in the garden level
–eSynapse Newsletter, Volume 27 #3, 2012
Brinton Alcove
The alcove overlooking the University of Utah Campus and Salt Lake Valley was dedicated to Dr. Sherman S. Brinton, after a generous donation by Dr. Brinton’s family.
Eccles Library Main Floor, Prior to Ceiling Project, 2000
Eccles Library Main Floor, After Ceiling Project Completion, 2012
Six new offices and a small conference room were constructed on the upper level of the library in 2012.
History of Medicine Vault
New shelving and a climate controlled vault were installed in the History of Medicine Room to store a larger number of historical books & artifacts.
Gold Certification for Sustainability
In January 2019 ESHL was presented with the Gold level of Green Office
Certification by the University of Utah Sustainability Office.
The project of achieving Gold certification has been led by the Eccles Library
Sustainability Committee, which is chaired by our Associate Director of Access
and Inclusion, Joan Gregory.
Dave Jones of the IT department was instrumental in the process of verifying
that 80% or more of the library’s printer defaults are set to double-sided
printing. Digital Collections Librarian and Sustainability Committee member,
Nancy Lombardo, designed and implemented a poll to determine the
percentage of library employees who use public transportation to get to work.”
Source: EHSL Achieves Gold Certification for Sustainability