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Thursday, June 14,1979
Summer Session Kansan
Major interior changes coming to Watson
By BONNIE DUNHAM Staff Reporter
Blueprints for a $8.2 million renovation of Watson Library call for the elimination of virtually all interior walls and the relocation to provide more space for library users.
Jim Ranz, dean of the library, said this week that he expected only minor changes in the preliminary drawings and that he will resume his work on Jan. 1, 1980. It will take two years to complete.
"The weight of the building is borne by columns not by walls," Mae said, "so it can be moved."
The "free-standing shell" throughout Watson Library will be divided into departments by shelves and partitions. The library has a section for eliminating nooks and crannies, he said.
THE CENTER STACK area, which Rancher called a "fire trap" will sit out and one room will be used as the fire station.
The most frequently used library areas
will be moved to the first floor. For example, upon entering the library's main entrance, the patron will have direct access to the card catalog and reference room on the left. The circulation and reserve books will be on the right side of the first floor.
Less frequently visited areas, such as the administrative offices, will be moved to the third floor from their present first-floor location, in order that books of books will be done in the basement.
ALTHOUGH THERE has been controversy about a proposed move of the art
library to the basement of the Helen Foresman Spencer Museum of Art, Ranz said that the plans proceeded on the assumption that Dr. Wenzel remain on the third floor of Watson Library. The residence rooms surrounding it will be eliminated. If a decision is made later to make the move to the art museum, that floor could be converted to study space, he
Ranz said the art library was "kind of a no-win situation." Because art books are used by art historians, architects, classicists and the humanities department, "There is no way we can make everybody happy."
In addition to increasing space and making the library more accessible, Ranz said, the renovation goals include separating staff functions from public areas. Study areas should be quieter after the renovation.
ALSO, THE RENOVATION will update and integrate the mechanical systems in the main building with the 1950 and 1964 additions to Watson.
Each time Watson was expanded, Ranz said, "just another hunk of plumbing was added." The heating, plumbing and electrical systems will be completely reded.
"We have to make sure the building is made safe," he said. "I think we can have a first-class renovation, but there are lots of problems that we have to work on."
Funding for the remodeling was approved by the Kansas Legislature and the Kansas Board of Regents in 1798. The architects are Hollis and Miller of Overland Park.
Although improvements to the existing building were chosen instead of building a new library to save money, a new structure remains part of the long-range development of Kansas, according to Keith facility, director of the office of facilities planning.
The first floor of Watson Library, after planned renovations, will provide services most used by students -circulation, reference, the card catalogue and reserve books. On the second floor will be located three service departments—periodicals/microforms, East Asian
language materials and the copying service. Planned occupancy of the third floor are the art library, administrative offices, staff room and conference room. Grav lines indicate areas to be remodeled.
Library's renovation plan studies suggestions for the handicapped
Complete access for the handicapped to Watson Library remains a problem in renovation plans, although several suggestions are being studied.
Architects are working with state agencies to make sure Watson plans meet state guidelines, Jim Ranz, dean of libraries, said Tuesday.
Roger Williams, chairman of an architectural barrier subcommittee, said the library already had what would be called a "legally sufficient method of entry.
"But if I had my dryers, it would be nice if the entrance was close to available pitches."
He said an entrance on the east side of the library would be best because handicapped parking was in the circle by Twente Hall east of the library.
The handicapped persons' entrance is under the main steps on the north side of the library and is protected from bad weather. The door to the second floor must hear and answer a bell for entry.
Alternatives for improved access under the renovation plan include issuance of a key to the north door for persons who cannot use steps.
Williams, who uses a wheelchair himself.
said "that isn't a bad idea. A key worker beautifully for at law school."
Ranz said a second plan for a ramp would have to include switchbacks because the height of the main entrance would make the ramp too steep.
Williams said state guidelines restricted an incline to no more than 8.3 percent.
Although a handicapped person can get to the library when he said, it did not work. He was indoors when he was indoors.
Williams said his group had been invited to review the Watson renovation plans and he agreed. "We were very pleased," he
WE'RE REMODELING
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