Armstrong Library transition to Q-Center
In January 2025, Middlebury Libraries will begin removing physical items in the Armstrong Science Library to make space for the Quantitative Center (Q-Center). This transition means the collection will be temporarily unavailable and while the space is under construction some services may be interrupted. All library services will be moving to Davis Family Library. Please see this page for further details, and do not hesitate to contact the library with any questions you may have.
What’s happening to the books/print journals?
We have identified over 20,000 books and other physical items that we are keeping. These titles will be placed in storage then moved to Davis Library. Some of the criteria to keep items included:
- Items owned under 10 years
- Items circulated more than once, minus those that librarians identified as out-of-date
- Items we are required to keep due to various agreements
We are reviewing books, journals, and all other physical materials
- There are nearly 21,000 items that we are considering removing, based on the following criteria including age, circulation, curricular relevancy, and duplication.
We have identified nearly 40 print journals that we have electronic access to that we will not retain, and partial back-runs of nearly 70 journals that we are evaluating.
Relevant science faculty have been asked to assess the items being considered for removal. Items relevant to current courses or research that are marked by faculty will be retained. Faculty may also reach out to the library with their discipline needs and the librarians will evaluate and mark items to be kept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q What's happening to the printers/poster printer?
The printers and poster printer will remain in the Q-Center and available for you to use!
Q Will there still be technology available for checkout?
- The Q-Center plans to have common items, like calculators, dongles, chargers, and laptops available. Please check with the Q-Center to see the new inventory of items they will provide.
- The technology items belonging to the library will move back to Davis.
Q Where will reserves be?
- All items on reserve for your classes will now be held in Davis Library
- The Q-Center may have relevant textbooks for classes they are tutoring
Q What if I want a book from Armstrong during the period when the books are being moved?
During the transition period, you may make a purchase request if it is an item for reserves, otherwise, please place an interlibrary loan request.
General Timeline
- December 1: deadline for submitting input and feedback on deaccessioning decisions
- December 8 : final decisions about withdrawals
- Mid-December: begin to withdraw materials
- December 16: Armstrong Library closes, all library services (reserves, circulation) move to Davis
- December - Late January: move materials from Armstrong to Davis or to storage
- Late January: Remove stacks from Armstrong
Questions
If you have questions about:
- Q-Center - Please email Emily Malcolm-White, emalcolmwhite@middlebury.edu
- Reserves - Please email Kellam Ayres, kayres@middlebury.edu
- Science collection items or general faculty inquiries please email Laksamee Cave, lcave@middlebury.edu
- Interlibrary Loan - Please email mdyill@middlebury.edu