UTSA Libraries reopen, begin construction of ‘bright,’ bold reimagination of JPL

The "Heart of the Campus" construction project kicks off this month, reimagining the JPL third floor as a library for the 21st century.

AUGUST 3, 2021 — Beginning August 23, the UTSA Libraries will reopen and 24-hour service will return to the John Peace Library on the Main Campus.

Additionally, new views will be coming to the JPL with the kickoff of the “Heart of the Campus” project—a reimagination of the third floor into a library for the 21st century.

During the first phase of the construction project, crews will replace large concrete panels on the north and south portions of the building with large floor-to-ceiling window panels.

“We know from user research that the library is an essential component of the college experience, and we’re hoping to make it brighter and better,” said Dean Hendrix, dean of UTSA Libraries. “The project will allow us to create inspirational spaces that will encourage more collaboration, innovation and discovery for our students and for the research community.”

“The project will allow us to create inspirational spaces that will encourage more collaboration, innovation and discovery.”

Concrete panels on the third floor of the John Peace Library will be replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows over the next year.

The window project will require the closure of the third floor for the fall 2021 semester. However, individual study rooms have been moved to the fourth floor. Former staff offices have been converted to student study spaces to account for the construction.

“The pandemic inspired us to be creative and adaptable when it comes to library spaces,” Hendrix said. “On the JPL fourth floor, we consolidated staff space and freed up 6,000 square feet for student quiet study space and collaboration areas.”

Installation of the windows on the third floor of JPL is estimated to be completed in early 2022. Loud noise may be heard in the building throughout the project as construction crews remove and break up the large concrete panels. Noise-canceling earplugs will be available to those who request them at the front desk of the library.

“We ask for your patience as we work to improve the library experience,” Hendrix said. “Our staff will be more than happy to assist with item retrieval, space needs, and with source material research. We encourage you to continue reaching out to our staff for help.”

The Libraries’ most highly used services—including remote access to databases, e-journals, e-books and streaming media, Ask Me Anything reference service, Get It for Me delivery service, and librarian consultations—will continue to support the UTSA community. Additionally, several individual and group study rooms will be available on the second floor along with those on the fourth floor.

During construction, browsing will be suspended on the third floor of the JPL, but there will be several options in place to borrow books. They include:

• In-person: Request an item from library staff at the front desk of the JPL. Look for Get It for Me signage.

  
  
• Curbside delivery: Request an item using the Get It for Me system on the library website, and pick it up near the drive-up book drops at the JPL or Downtown Library (DTL). Select your preferred location when requesting the item.

  
  
• Locker delivery: Request an item using the Get It for Me system on the library website and choose locker pickup. Lockers are located at the entrances of JPL and DTL. Select your preferred location when requesting the item.

Browsing at the Downtown Library will continue without interruption.

Other libraries opening on UTSA campuses include the Downtown Library and the Applied Engineering & Technology Library. The Special Collections reading room at JPL will be available by appointment.

Additionally, the Faculty Center on the fourth floor of the JPL will be available for faculty drop-in visits or for reservation by faculty. Visit faculty.utsa.edu for more information.

For a full list of library hours, log on to lib.utsa.edu/hours.

John Peace Library

• Monday-Thursday: 24 hours
• Friday: Midnight – 9 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Sunday: 10 a.m. – Continuous

Downtown Library

• Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday: 1 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Applied Engineering & Technology Library

• Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Special Collections Reading Room at JPL

• Open by appointment

The UTSA Libraries are at the forefront of reimagining the 21st-century academic library. With four locations across three campuses, the libraries are fueling UTSA’s ascent to a premier public research university by providing students and faculty with seamless, comprehensive access to information and learning resources as well as innovative spaces for active learning and interdisciplinary scholarship.

— Joaquin Herrera