Library Refresh Project
In 2024, the UConn Health Sciences Library launched a multi-phased Library Refresh and Renovation Project to update our spaces and better support the needs of students, researchers, faculty, and staff. The project includes evaluating and reconfiguring library areas to create additional study spaces, along with updates to furniture and carpeting. This page provides the latest project updates.
For questions about the Library Refresh Project, please contact:
Susan Fowler, MLIS
Library Director
sfowler@uchc.edu
Rich McIntyre, MSLIS, MSIS
Library Refresh Committee, Chair
mcintyre@uchc.edu
February 2026 - New Chairs and Study Carrels
Desk chairs on the main floor were replaced in February 2026 to improve comfort, following feedback from library users. Some of the upgraded main-floor chairs were moved upstairs to replace older seating there.
Four new study carrels were also added to the main floor, providing additional quiet study space.
November 2025 - New Carpet Installed
New carpet was installed in the main areas of the library's main floor. Previous carpet was badly worn and bubbled causing a tripping hazard. The new carpet provides a safer and more comfortable study environment. Installation focused on the central study area and information desk areas, and did not include the stacks, self-service center, or upper floor.
The library was closed the week of Thanksgiving to allow installation to proceed efficiently and safely, minimizing disruption for students and staff.
May 2025 - Library Space Survey Results
In spring 2025, the library conducted a survey to gather feedback about our library spaces and how they support the needs of our community. The library space survey results highlights are now available.
October 2024 - 3,000 Sq Feet Study Space Added
In October 2024, to accommodate the exciting growth of all our great UConn schools, we opened 3,000 square feet of study space on the upper floor of the library. As part of this update, the book stacks previously located upstairs were removed to make room for additional seating and study areas.
Print volumes that remain in the collection were relocated to the main floor stacks, where they are now available for browsing and checkout.
August 2024 – Carson Room Available for Study Reservations
In August 2024, the library opened the Carson Room as a reservable study space. The room can be reserved for individual or small group study sessions.
Students, residents, and fellows can reserve the space through the library’s reservation system.
March 2024 - Collection Weeding Project
In March 2024, the Library staff began a collection weeding project to create space for future updates to the library’s study areas. Approximately 20,000 print volumes were reviewed and removed from the collection.
Weeding is a common library practice that helps keep collections current and relevant. As information formats have increasingly shifted from print to digital, fewer print volumes need to be housed on library shelves. Reducing the size of the print collection helped create additional space for student study areas.
A list of volumes that were withdrawn was available to patrons online as a Weeding Master List.
Withdrawn books were placed on the free books shelf on the main floor and were available for anyone to take.
Books that remained after May 1 were responsibly recycled.