Renovation and Temporary Closure of Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering

The Macdonald-Stewart Library Building will undergo significant structural repairs and major internal upgrades beginning May 15, 2019.

Related links

Feedback & questions

  • For construction related queries: construction.feedback [at] mcgill.ca (McGill Facilities construction projects) 
  • For feedback related to library services or resources: schulich.library [at] mcgill.ca (McGill Library inquiries )

Workers on scaffolding working on exterior of Schulich Library

Project description

The Macdonald-Stewart Library Building, which houses the Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering needs significant structural repairs and major internal upgrades. This work includes stabilization of the stone structure, foundation waterproofing, window replacement, washroom expansion and the installation of a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC).

The construction work will be extensive, disruptive, and noisy. In order to minimize the impact on library users, and reduce the overall amount of time it will take to complete the work, it was determined that the best course of action is to close the building for an extended period beginning mid-May 2019.

When the construction work is completed, the Schulich Library will feature:

  • More study and workspaces
  • Improved accessibility
  • Completely restored exterior masonry
  • All new HVAC system
  • Expanded number of washrooms including gender-neutral options
  • New flooring, ceilings and lights
 

Timeline, scope of work and impact on users (subject to change)

Timeline Affected Areas Scope of Work Impact to Users

April 2019 (over 4 weeks)

COMPLETED

Schulich Course Reserves Area Schulich Course Reserves for summer 2019 term moved to Humanities and Social Sciences Library. Faculty members to notify  Schulich Library staff of selected materials to be placed on reserve for classes scheduled during the summer 2019 term. Students to access course reserve materials for summer 2019 term in Humanities and Social Sciences Library.

May 15, 2019

COMPLETED

Macdonald-Stewart Library Building closed. Preparation work underway for relocation of staff members, equipment, furniture, etc. Macdonald-Stewart Library Building inaccessible to users. Schulich materials not accessible at this time.

June 1, 2019

COMPLETED

Physical location of Schulich staff members.

Schulich librarians and staff members will be relocated to the McLennan Library Building in the Humanities and Social Sciences Library (HSSL), in order to continue providing a complete range of services to students, faculty, and researchers.

Users to visit McLennan-Redpath Complex for in-person consultations. Schulich librarians relocated to the 6th floor of the McLennan Library Building. Macdonald-Stewart Library Building inaccessible to users. Schulich materials not accessible at this time.

Summer 2019 

COMPLETED

Schulich study desks moved to McLennan-Redpath spaces

The Library will relocate the Schulich student study desks (approximately 700 seats) to the McLennan-Redpath Complex.*

Users to visit McLennan-Redpath Complex and other library branches to access workspaces. The bulk of the desks being moved from Schulich will be located in a new study area on the second floor of the Redpath Library Building and on the second floor of McLennan*. Macdonald-Stewart Library Building inaccessible to users.

Summer 2019 

COMPLETED

Schulich print & reserve collection moved to McLennan-Redpath

A significant portion of the Schulich print collection and the reserve collection will be moved into McLennan-Redpath Complex for quick retrieval. 

Schulich Collection: 160,000 volumes have been moved to the Redpath Library basement and are now accessible. For more information, click here.

Course Reserves: The Schulich reserve collection has moved to the main floor of McLennan in the HSSL Self-Serve Reserves Room for quick retrieval. The self-serve reserve room next to the Information Desk on the main floor of HSSL is open during regular borrowing service hours (i.e. when the service desk is open) and can be accessed by anyone during that time. Students, faculty, and staff wanting to access the room outside of regular borrowing service hours can be granted special access to the room. For more information, click here.

Reference Collection and Standards: Schulich’s Reference Collection and Standards will be available in the reference area on the main floor of the McLennan Library Building.

Consult online catalogue for more information. Macdonald-Stewart Library Building inaccessible to users.

Fall 2019 to mid 2023 (estimated)

COMPLETED

Macdonald-Stewart Library Building

Construction work.

Macdonald-Stewart Library Building inaccessible to users.

*More spaces, more opening hours this fall for students:

  • Expanded Access: With the new spaces opening up, students will have 16 additional bookable group study rooms on the second floor of Redpath (42 total). 288 carrel desks are available to graduate students & undergraduate honours students writing theses.
  • Increase in opening hours at McLennan-Redpath: With the help of the SSMU and AUS Library Improvement Funds, we are happy to report that there will be an increase in extended hours – more space will be available 24/7. The McLennan-Redpath Complex will be open 24 hours a day during the academic year. Security and cleaning services will expand to reflect this change in hours.

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