By Julie Peters

The James B. Carey Library at the School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) located within Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, underwent an extensive renovation during the summer. The renovation was intended to update the Library’s electrical problems, provide new computers for student use, and create a more conducive environment for students to study.

BEFORE

AFTER

In preparation for the renovation, the Library completed a major weeding project. After an in-depth analysis, it was concluded that the Carey Library’s collection, specializing in employment and labor relations, as well as human resource management, was widely duplicated at other locations in the Rutgers Libraries System. These duplicated titles, with no circulated use, were discarded in order to make room for more study space and a lounge area.  

Beginning in May, the Library was completely gutted. The worn carpeting was torn up; the water-stained ceiling tiles were ripped down; the dim lights were trashed; the wobbly tables were discarded; and the ancient computers disappeared. (We kept the books J) We now have new blue carpeting, a new ceiling, fresh paint of blues and greens, sturdy furniture, bright lights and computers that work! (And we have new books.) In addition, the Library has extended morning and evening hours, as well as laptops for students to use within the Library. Within the first few weeks of the semester, it was observed that more students are using the renovated facility. The printer is printing, the scanner is scanning and the copier is copying. Students have found the renovated space quite refreshing and have been packing the new facility on a daily basis.

Julie Peters is the Library Director at the James B. Carey Library at the School of Management and Labor Relations (SMLR) located within Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. She can be reached at jpeters@smlr.rutgers.edu.