The UC San Francisco Kalmanovitz Library located in Parnassus Heights is undergoing two major renovation projects as part of the Facilities Services 25-Year Renewal Program. These projects aim to preserve history, support research, and enhance the library's facilities.
The first project centers around the creation of a climate-controlled storage vault for UCSF's Rare Book Collection, which includes over 15,000 volumes as well as artifacts and art gathered throughout the past 150 years. This new vault will safeguard the University's cherished and unique collection from the perils of fire or water damage. With materials dating back to 1477, it is crucial to maintain optimal conditions to prevent further deterioration caused by light sensitivity, temperature, humidity, and storage conditions.
Polina Ilieva, the library's archivist, expresses, “the Library has been experiencing multiple leaks during rains in its current archives vault located on the fifth floor, requiring frequent relocation of collections, costly rare books restoration, and constant monitoring of potential sources of leaks from the roof and walls.”
In close collaboration with the UCSF Library Archives and Special Collections, the Facilities Services team developed plans for a vault that serves as a creative archival repository, supporting the educational, research, and clinical enterprises of the University. The new Rare Book Vault will feature optimal lighting, chillers, a fire suppression system, and temperature and humidity controls, all designed to best preserve these historical materials for future generations' access.
Ilieva tells us that "the new vault will enable us to continue collecting and preserving the cultural and scientific heritage that belongs to all Californians and UCSF's institutional history. These irreplaceable treasures will be maintained under ideal preservation conditions to facilitate future research.”
The second project involves waterproofing the exterior of the Kalmanovitz Library building. This comprehensive work includes restoring the terraces, fortifying the windows, and completely replacing the roofing system. The building has faced significant water ingress problems in the past, with even minimal rainfall causing multiple leaks throughout the building.
“It’s been a constant battle against the environment!” says Ilieva.
The waterproofing project and new Rare Book Vault combined will be pivotal in safeguarding the University’s archives and special collections. Furthermore, these initiatives will create a safer and more comfortable environment within the library for the campus community by facilitating study and granting access to research materials.
Following the completion of the waterproofing project, the 13 library terraces will undergo safety upgrades, landscaping, and beautification. These enhancements will provide library users with a safer and more functional space while allowing the terraces to be accessible for the first time in years.
Both the rare books vault and waterproofing projects are scheduled to be completed within the fourth quarter of 2023. Throughout the construction period, the Kalmanovitz Library has remained open and accessible to UCSF badge holders. For more information on the reopening of library spaces, please visit the UCSF Library website.
