This called for collaboration.
“From the Library’s perspective, this project was about reimagining how the space functions, not just how it looks. Working closely with the Facilities team, we translated that vision into a practical design with a new layout, updated technology infrastructure, including new displays, refreshed furnishings and an environment that feels welcoming and contemporary,” Aulisio said.
Bringing that vision to life: the highly skilled Scranton staff.
“Internal staff completed this work, including Library maintenance Jake Harris and Anjelica Vaccaro, carpenters James Shygelski and Michael Tuffy, electrician Ed Piasecki, plumber Frank Lynott, painters Mark Burke and Jared Reznick, locksmith Joe Wright, and members of our IT Department Jason Wimmer and Jason Oakey,” Ridder said.
Outside vendors included Premier Environments for carpeting and furniture, JP Jay for shelving units, Stone Office Furniture to disassemble, relocate and reinstall mobile shelving in the Performance Music department, and Sierra Six for data connections.
Ridder outlined the scope of work:
Demolition of existing shelving units, removal of old flooring, cabinetry and some existing wallsConstruction of the new layout per design, including the walls and new custom wood-trimmed windows and shelving unit, completed onsiteInstallation of new flooring and shelving by Premier EnvironmentsCompletion of electrical work, Spackle and painting, ceiling changes, data and new electronics, such as TVs
“An added bonus was that we were able to relocate the Library’s rolling compact shelves to Houlihan-McLean Center so that the Performance Music department could benefit from it. It was a genuine collaboration between Library and Facilities, and the result speaks to what’s possible when both teams are aligned around a shared goal.”
– George Aulisio, Dean of the Weinberg Memorial Library
Viola! Feedback from Library patrons and staff suggests that the renovation, completed in a brief window of time, delivered a significant impact.
“The response has been positive and overwhelmingly strong. Students have embraced the space quickly. In fact, while painters were still putting finishing touches on the walls, students were settling in to study. The staff has also noticed that the collection is more approachable now. Compact rolling shelves are not ideal for discoverability, but now that the collection is on stationary shelves and is curated, it’s easier to explore and find a new or classic film for assignments and personal viewing,” Aulisio said.
“This is exactly the type of response I had hoped for! It’s gratifying to see a vision come to life and to watch the community make it their own. I’m proud to say we have a strong Library culture at Scranton, and we take that responsibility seriously.”