A few thoughts about the upcoming LIS office reassignments from your LIS Facilities Coordinator—

As you know, in the coming months many LIS staff will be moving offices. I think we would all agree that the timing of this reshuffle is less than ideal, but we must remember that it is triggered by the College’s need to react to the economic downturn. One way we’re doing that is by adding students to the enrollment without building new dorms. Because Voter 2nd floor was once used for student housing it can be returned to that purpose relatively quickly and efficiently, but that means that LIS staff members currently there need to move out so Voter can be renovated in time for the fall semester. I’ve been working with LIS Administration and Mary Stanley, the College Space Manager, to draft a relocation plan. With some creative thinking it looks like all the Voter 2nd floor folks will be able to fit into the Main Library.

As Mike Roy mentioned in a recent email, in order for this to happen, many of the LIS staff in the Main Library will also need to move. In most cases these moves will likely actually enhance adjacencies, allowing people who work most closely together to be near each other. In a few cases sacrifices will likely need to be made. Every effort is being made to accommodate everyone’s needs. I’m saying “likely” above because as I write this, the plan is in the draft stage. Once we’re sure that it’s possible for everyone to fit, the ADs will determine, in consultation with their managers and staff, exactly who will be sitting in exactly what chair. Once we know that, we’ll work with Facilities to set a move schedule. I do not now know exactly when that will be, but hopefully it will be soon.

While we will do all we can to customize the new spaces that people move into before moves take place, there will likely be instances when people move into a space that is not yet refined. Files could sit in boxes on the floor while we wait for a filing cabinet to be acquired. Books could sit on boxes on the floor while we wait for shelves to be installed. People may work at desks next to each other in open areas until dividers can be acquired to define spaces. Spring is an especially busy time for both Facilities Services and LIS. They will be just as busy and as stressed as we are. We must all strive to be patient and kind in our dealings with one another, pulling together, realizing that we are doing what needs to be done to solve the College’s current financial challenges.

Those who already know they’re moving, like the staff on Voter 2nd floor, could prepare now by cleaning out their offices and recycling everything that they don’t absolutely need to take with them. Everyone else, whether they think they might be moving or not, could do the same… it’s Spring after all! Stay tuned….