Temple University students will notice a substantial change in Paley Library as they return for the fall 2016 semester.
Almost the entire east side of the first floor of Paley Library is closed for a construction project.
This FAQ has information about the impact of this project on Paley Library and its resources and services throughout the construction.
That section of Paley is where I always study. Why did you close it?
The decision to close the east side of Paley Library’s first floor was a University administration decision. In order to create more space for the Fox School, a decision was made to move advising staff out of 1810 Liacouras Walk. Those advisers are being relocated to the first floor east of Paley Library. In closing the first floor east, the Library administration is complying with a request from the University administration.
We need more study space, not less? What happened to all the chairs and study carrels?
Despite the construction there is no loss of study seats in Paley Library. All of our carrels and soft seating have been relocated to other spaces throughout the building. Many of the popular individual carrels will be found on the second and third floors.
What about the computers on the first floor?
Unfortunately the construction project meant the loss of approximately 50 desktop computers. For now the bulk of our desktop computers are on the west side of the first floor, with a more limited number on the second and third floors. Many more students now bring their own computer to Paley Library, but for those who need to use one while here we will be introducing Chromebook computers for loan from our Media Services Desk. Look for an announcement.
Does the construction project affect any of the services at the desk in the Tuttleman Building?
No. The construction project will have no impact at all on any Temple University Library services. Whether it’s access to books on reserve, asking a librarian for help choosing a database, DVDs in Media Services, using primary research materials in the Special Collections Research Center or getting help with a research project at the Digital Scholarship Center, Temple students will experience no change in the high quality services they always receive from Temple Libraries.
How long is the construction project expected to last?
The project is expected to be completed by mid-November 2016. However, it is possible the new area will not be occupied by staff members until the start of the spring 2017 semester. The timeline on this remains undetermined for now.
What if the construction makes Paley too noisy for quiet study
We are dealing with an active construction zone in our building from 7:00 am until 2:30 pm, weekdays. There will be noise. The entire project will be enclosed within walls that separate it from the rest of the building, which will help, but there will still be some noise. If you feel there is too much noise, speak to a library staff member at any service desk. There are numerous other quiet spaces in Paley, so seek them out.
How do I get one of the magazine or journal issues that were on the shelves in that area?
We do plan to re-install the shelving and make all those issues available for browsing once we are able to get back into the corridor. Until then, request a magazine or journal issue at the main service desk in Paley Library, Monday – Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
UPDATE – Sept. 13: The current periodicals are now available in the corridor that leads into the east side of the first floor.
Will I still be able to get to the photocopiers when I need them?
The corridor where the photocopiers are located will remain open to the community during and after the completion of the construction project. If for any reason that area is temporarily unavailable, there are additional photocopiers on the second and third floors.
UPDATE – Sept. 13: The photocopiers are now re-installed in their original location on the first floor east.
Does the project affect the hours that the Paley Library will be open this fall?
No. The Paley Library hours are not affected by the construction project.
What should I do if I have concerns about Paley Library during the construction project?
Temple University students are always welcome to share their concerns or suggestions about any aspects of library services with members of the Library Administration team. The office is located on the mezzanine level of Paley Library and is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. You can also contact us through our virtual suggestion box.