The sounds of research heard in W. Frank Steely Library now include drilling and hammering, in other words, construction has started again at Northern Kentucky University.

Construction on the first and third floors of the library started earlier this month and is expected to finish no later than December 2006.

“Regardless of how long it takes, no construction will take place during exam week,” said Threasa Wesley, head of research and instructional services at the library.

The third floor of the library will have new instructional areas located near the entrance where faculty of the library will teach information literacy. According to Wesley, freshman-senior professors would be able to collaborate with faculty from the library and have class sessions there.

Wesley said these new instructional areas will have smart classrooms, allowing more sessions on information literacy and expanding the instructional methods in those classrooms.

A new primary service area will be located on the third floor to aid with person-to-person assistance at the information desk. “The service desk would also assist students through online reference with instant messaging and e-mail,” Wesley said.

The first floor study places will be expanded and have new electrical wiring. The new wiring, located on the back wall, will bring in more electricity and network support. “This will allow us to add light to individual study carrels (desks) and in turn bring more computers to the first floor,” Wesley said.

Expansion of the shelving area is set to take place on the first floor. According to Wesley, this will be a renovation of an area that was previously divided into three small rooms and will in turn create more space on the first floor.

The computers located near the third-floor entrance have been relocated and will return to the third floor once construction is completed. However, Wesley said there are more computers located in the library for students to use.

The library’s lamination service is temporarily unavailable until construction is finished in December. According to Wesley, it is the top priority.

“We have had difficulties with the laminations as they are demanding equipment,” Wesley said. “Part of this construction is to install new electrical connections for these machines.”

When construction is finished, students will have more electronic resources for research to help with instant messenger and e-mail reference programs.

“The new facilities will allow us to bring more faculty and staff into these services, providing more immediate