Changes are underway at Forsyth Library as we prepare for the full renovation of the facility. Below is a broader timeline of the current and upcoming changes at Forsyth Library.
What has already changed:
- 13 of 18 Forsyth Library faculty & staff have moved to offices on the 2nd and 3rd floor of Custer Hall. We will remain here until Phase 1 of renovation is completed.
- Partner organizations have all moved to temporary locations: Honors College to Picken 123, MakerSpace to Picken 102, and Writing Center to Rarick 157.
- As of this week, the government documents collection is in the process of being boxed up for off-site storage.
- Some technology and furniture has been removed. Additional site preparation work has occurred on the lower level.
What will change this semester:
- Government documents and bound periodicals collections will be moved to off-site storage for the duration of the renovation. These materials can be requested through Interlibrary Loan.
- General collection books will be moved to compact shelving on the lower level of Forsyth Library. During this process, materials in motion will be temporarily unavailable. This is a complex move and we do not have a timeline regarding which areas will move when. Expect limited access to print materials and to use Interlibrary Loan.
- We will stop accepting new reservations for and will soon begin closing down meeting rooms, the computer lab, the South Study Area, and study rooms.
What will change this summer:
- We will have no access to the Forsyth Library building during summer 2024 (beginning approximately May 13th). Heavy demolition begins.
- Technology will be available for checkout from our temporary location in Custer Hall 304.
- Any books, articles, or other information resources needed can be requested through Interlibrary Loan and picked up in Custer Hall.
- Faculty and staff who will remain in Forsyth Library during phased renovation will be temporarily relocated to Custer Hall for summer 2024.
- There will be a construction fence blocking off space around Forsyth Library.
What to expect during the remainder of the renovation:
- Limited access to Forsyth Library will be possible, including the main circulation desk and Special Collections areas.
- There will not be open study space available. We look forward to unveiling new spaces in 2026, but in the meantime, students should seek alternative study areas.
- Print materials from the general collection will be accessible outside of work hours by library personnel only. Items can be requested for pickup by contacting the library or by placing a hold in our catalog.
- Government documents and bound periodicals remain offsite. Access to this information remains available through Interlibrary Loan.
What will not change:
Online resources, such as access to journals articles and databases, ebooks, archives online, and Scholars Repository, will not be impacted. Library faculty remain available for research help and information literacy instruction. We can all expect the renovation to be very disruptive to our use of space, but we will continue providing library services, including access to information, research help, and supporting information literacy instruction, throughout the process.
Thank you for your enthusiasm about this project. Perhaps a little patience will be required and appreciated. Feel free to reach out to Ginger Williams or to your library liaison if you have questions.
Helpful links for more information:
- Renovation status page with updates on where to find people, how to access resources, etc. https://www.fhsu.edu/library/spaces/renovation-status
- Renovation blog with renovation floor plans, renderings, and information about the new spaces: https://ltblogs.fhsu.edu/forsythrenovation/
