Summer Construction
Updates on the summer renovation projects from Rodrigo Castro:
Main Entrance Doors
The main entrance doors are now enabled (the Library, with the exception of the 24/7 area, is still closed to the public) which will facilitate the delivery of packages. We will, however, keep the delivery ramp on the west entrance until the back entrance/loading dock is open.
Atrium Ceiling
The replacement of the Atrium Ceiling started on July 3. The work had been delayed by a couple of days due to unfavorable weather conditions. This part of the project will approximately take 20 days.
Writing Center
The work is progressing as anticipated. The light fixtures have been installed. The millwork and countertop installations are in progress.
Reynolds Wing Bathrooms
The work is progressing as anticipated. The flooring has been completed and most of the fixtures have been installed.
Shifting Projects
The sifting project on Reynolds 1 has reached the TS1400 section, with the completion of shifting on the floor likely coming in a few weeks. A special thank you to our summer student employees, Cole and Katherine, for their dedication to this project.
Building Updates
The locks in the Staff Lounge have been replaced. The new locks are wired, which should address the previous connectivity issues.
Laura Milcarzyk and Patrick Ferrell, along with student workers Cole and Katherine, have been working to remove all unsafe stepstools throughout the building and ensure that each floor is equipped with 10 to 15 safe, functional stools. As part of this effort, 10 brand-new red stepstools have recently been added to the collection. The team appreciates everyone’s patience during this process of assessing which stools are still in good condition, which can be repaired, and which need to be replaced.
Jemma Johnson and Patrick Ferrell created and placed new signage detailing emergency procedures in all the study carrels and group study spaces.
Professional Development & Publications
Rodrigo Castro has been appointed as co-chair of the Latinx Affinity Resource Group (ARG). This group, along with other ARGs, is tasked with supporting current faculty and staff in cultivating an inclusive community and culture at Wake Forest University. Rodrigo’s 2-year appointment starts on July 1, 2025.
Jemma Johnson was elected as the Vice President/President-Elect of the ZSR Employee Association (EA). In this two year role, she will serve as VP for the first year before transitioning to the President of the EA for the second.
Book Displays
June Displays
- Once Upon a Retelling: Modern & Diverse Reimaginings of Classic Stories, curated by Will Ritter.
- Baseball: America’s Game, curated by Erin Jones.
- History of Railroads, curated by Laura Milcarzyk.
- May the Fourth Be With You, curated by Erin Jones.
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month, curated by the University Counseling Center.
Upcoming Displays
- Ink and Memory: The Rich Literary Culture of the Middle East, curated by Jemma Johnson.
- 60 Years of Sand, Spice, and Sci-Fi, curated by Will Ritter and Jemma Johnson.
- Beyond the Rainbow: Exploring LGBTQ+ Narratives Across Genres, curated Will Ritter and Jemma Johnson.
Offsite Storage
- fulfilled 26 physical request,
- fulfilled 28 electronic request,
- and audited 6,210 items.
As a new member of the ZSR Safety and Security Committee, Alayna Veasey will continue the collaborative effort to improve emergency procedures for ZSR Library and Offsite Storage. She has also completed a comprehensive guide for incoming Collections Archivist Sam Sfirri. The guide includes detailed information about the catalog records, finding aids, data discrepancies, and action items needed for every SCA collection stored offsite. Alayna will provide ongoing support to the archival team by updating the guide as new collections arrive.
June by the Numbers
6 Comments on ‘What’s Happening in Public Services: June 2025’
So many good things are happening in ZSR! Shout out to the Public Services Team for keeping ZSR available during the renovations!
So appreciate these updates. Thanks, y’all, for your hard work!
Lots going on, thanks for the update!
YAY FOR SAFE STEP STOOLS! Some of the ones we have I feel certain are 1956 originals to the building so I thank them for their service, but it’s time to retire 🙂
Thank you for all your great work and sharing these updates!
Always informative and a delight to read. Thanks for sharing!