Timeline + Plans
Barker 8th floor - journal move - Completed!
The 8th floor has been emptied of all journals and is now closed to the public.
- For complete information on the journals move please see: http://www.mitlibraries.info/esl/barker-journals-on-the-mov/38/
Barker Reading Room renovation
The last major renovation of the space was completed 39 years ago, in March 1970. Since the Netsch renovation, the reading room has not been properly maintained. The lighting scheme depends on custom journal shelving with inset lights that are impossible to fix as they break. In addition, outdated and inflexible design elements for seating, lighting, and library services hamper optimal use of the space.
While a major renovation and redesign of the space would be ideal, immediate actions will address some of these issues and bring about visible improvements with relatively modest investments.
This spring and summer we will paint, improve lighting, replace worn furniture, and remove the journal racks. The Reading Room will be closed for the summer, but should be ready to reopen for Orientation Week. Below is our current working timeline.
March 2009 — Completed!
- March 16th-19th — wall patching (early morning - room open to public)
- March 20th-30th — Reading Room CLOSED for painting & carrel refinishing
Spring/Summer 2009
- May 26th- June 1st - Demolition and removal of journal racks
- June 1st-June 2nd - Striping and polishing of terrazzo flooring
- June 3rd - return existing furniture to space - prepare for Commencement
- June 5th (morning) - MIT Corporation Meeting - Reading Room closed to public
- June 5th (evening) - Alumni event - Reading Room closed to public
- June 8th - Reading Room closes for summer renovation
- August 28th - Reading Room reopens
- September 2nd - GSC Orientation Reception
Great Dome Restoration
The Building 10 dome waterproofing project will entail replacing all of the limestone from the “ring/steps” along with three rows of limestone on the curved dome itself. A new waterproofing system will be installed.
Work is ongoing and is expected to continue until the end of November.
Fall/Winter 2009
- June 8th - Exterior work begins - scaffolding, crane installation, stonework replacement
- Through September - demolition
- September - November - repairs to curved part of the dome
- Mid- to late November - scaffolding removal, demobilization and project completion
