Move to 3 East

Update as of Dec. 5, 2024

  • The collection is 85% moved with an anticipated completion by Dec. 13th.
  • Instruction requests are open for spring semester.
  • As of Dec. 10th, requests can be made to use the reading room by appointment only starting the week of Dec. 16th.
  • As of Dec. 16th, special collections material will be available again.
  • The reading room will reopen fully on Jan. 13th.

Update as of Nov. 21, 2024

  • Tomorrow will be the official ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the new Special Collections space.
  • We have moved 80% of the main collection and all the items in the vault. 
  • Interfiling continued as we encountered the remaining call numbers that required it. We're approximately 95% done with the interfiling.
  • There are still a few final touches to be done for construction on 3 East. More work yet to be done on 4 East.
  • Special Collections will be reopening fully for spring semester in January. Items should be requestable again in mid-December.

Update as of Oct. 24, 2024

  • Due to construction delays, September was spent on interfiling two call number runs. Popular Culture and Rare items each had their own call number runs and are now going to be one inclusive run to enable easier retrieval. We're approximately 80% done with the interfiling.
  • The Fire Marshal gave us full occupancy permission on Oct. 15th. We began moving the collection the next day.
  • Of the 500,000+ items to be moved, we are approximately 25% done as of Oct. 24th. The library staff is moving the collection.
  • We are also moving people into the office spaces.
  • The construction is mostly done. There is still work to be done on the lobby and the vault. There are also many final touches to complete.

Construction on 3 East

The Main Library’s East Wing is currently undergoing renovations to support the relocation of the MSU Libraries Murray & Hong Special Collections to the third floor. Previously located in the basement of the Main Library, the Special Collections holds over 500,000 printed works, numerous manuscript and archival collections, and an extensive collection of ephemera. Renovations include the installation of climate control and fire suppression systems for additional protection of our valuable collection materials. The relocation will also provide the opportunity for Special Collections staff to more closely collaborate, as it will be the first time the unit is co-located, enabling further work together. To accommodate this move, which includes hundreds of thousands of delicate and valuable materials, the Libraries has paused select services.

Services Impacted Starting on Aug. 12, 2024:

  • The MSU Libraries’ Reading Room will be closed.
  • Special Collections instruction and programming will be put on hold.
  • Special Collections material will be unavailable.  

Key Takeaway

  • Access to our Special Collections will be closed for about 16 weeks beginning mid-August, which especially impacts faculty who use these materials for research and classes that use these materials for instruction.