The Gerstein Science Information Centre
The Gerstein Science Information Centre
Contents Executive Summary.................................................................................................. 1 Introduction............................................................................................................. 2 History.................................................................................................................... 3 Collections............................................................................................................... 5 Library Services........................................................................................................ 6 Present Needs.......................................................................................................... 7 Our View for the Future of the Library....................................................................... 11 Ways of Supporting the Gerstein Science Information Centre...................................... 12 Conclusion............................................................................................................. 13
Cover image: The Samuel family crest reproduced on the stained glass window above the main entrance to the Gerstein Science Information Centre. The motto translated is “Honour exalts the arts�. This page: Sigmund Samuel, LL.D. Painting by Archibald Barnes, R.C.A.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) has garnered the generous support of the University’s communities and is now ranked among the top three academic research libraries in North America, following Harvard and Yale. Located in the Sigmund Samuel Library Building, the Gerstein Science Information Centre (GSIC) in UTL contains Canada’s largest health science collection and is physically the largest science library in the country. In addition to up-to-date resources in science and medicine the library houses a significant range of older titles that support the History and Philosophy of Science and Technology program. Not surprisingly, many of our assigned graduate student carrels serve PhD candidates in this particular field. The Centre’s collections consist of approximately 945,000 volumes and our annual number of visits is approximately 1,000,000. Our greatest collection strengths are in the fields of medicine and the history of science and medicine. Within the University’s Boundless Campaign, UTL will engage current and prospective donors to assist us to improve the stature and excellence of the GSIC. We will do this through an intensive effort to raise $10,000,000 to: • Expand and improve individual study space for health and science students • Create high quality collaborative areas and classrooms for students • Complete the process of refurbishing outdated spaces within the library while improving its energy efficiency • Enhance our historic qualities while retrofitting 19th century spaces for 21st century uses Our objectives reflect the strategic directions of the University of Toronto within its Towards 2030 initiative and address the University’s resolve to attract the very best and brightest students, ensuring they have a transformative educational experience in their years at the University of Toronto. Our efforts will support the University’s intention to expand in relative and absolute terms its student base and professional programs. As well, our success will contribute to the University’s efforts to enhance the undergraduate experience and we will be instrumental in ensuring that the University of Toronto reaches new levels of excellence in the years ahead.
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The Gerstein Science Information Centre
INTRODUCTION The Gerstein Science Information Centre (GSIC) at the University of Toronto is Canada’s pre-eminent academic health and science library. The GSIC consists of three distinct architectural segments: the original 1892/1910 heritage designated building which served as the University’s main library for many years; the 1954/55 modernist addition often referred to as the Sigmund Samuel Library; and the 1999/2003 contemporary Morrison Pavilion. Gerstein supports the academic, teaching and research missions of the University by providing information, library and research services of the highest international standards. Located prominently on King’s College Circle at the heart of the St. George campus, its tower presides over the busy activity of the University’s front field. The Centre receives almost one million users annually and its unmatched electronic collections are heavily used by students and faculty on- and off-campus, as well as by individuals from the extensive Toronto hospital and research communities.
Mission of the University of Toronto Libraries To foster the search for knowledge and understanding in the University and the wider community. To this end, we shall provide innovative services and comprehensive access to information founded upon our developing resources as one of the leading research libraries in the world.
Mission of the Gerstein Science Information Centre In accordance with the mission of the University of Toronto Library, the Gerstein Science Information Centre will strive for excellence and leadership in the provision of scientific information. As the university’s preeminent science library, its services and resources are focused on users of science and health science information in support of teaching, learning, and research.
The library before the addition, 1907
The Heritage Stacks, added in 1910
The Sigmund Samuel Library, 1955
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HISTORY 1892–1988 •
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Designed by architect D.B. Dick and opened in 1892, the building replaced the previous university library which had been destroyed by fire in 1890. A successful international campaign was launched after the fire to replace the book collection. Renovations added a wing with fire-resistant glass floors and a reading room to accommodate the growing collection in 1910. In 1954 the Sigmund Samuel Library was constructed adjacent to the original structure and named in honour of the Samuel family’s generous support.
1989–1998 •
Gifts from the Frank Gerstein Charitable Foundation and the Bertrand Gerstein Family Foundation resulted in renovation of the entrance to the building, the renaming of the science collection and the move of the general undergraduate collection to other libraries on campus. After this collection move, the health and science collections were redistributed throughout the building.
1999–2008 •
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After a significant donation from the Morrison family, construction of the Morrison Pavilion began, based on architectural plans developed by Diamond + Schmitt Architects in 1999. Additional gifts in 2000–2005 from the two Gerstein foundations enabled the renovation of the Gerstein Reading Room, the restoration of its magnificent ceiling and the refurbishment of the original Periodicals Room, now known as the Marvin Gerstein Conference Room. The Morrison Pavilion and the new Gerstein renovations increased total student space to over 1,300 seats, including several group study rooms.
The Morrison Pavilion
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Awards Ontario Association of Architects Design Excellence Award, Gerstein Reading Room, 2010 Ontario Library Association Library Building Award, 2010 William Greer Prize for Renovation Excellence award sponsored by Heritage Toronto—Honorable Mention, 2009 Ontario Library Association Prize for Best New Academic Library Building & the Ontario Association of Architects Architectural Excellence Award, 2004
Media Coverage “Revelation: Gerstein is worth Exploring” Taddle Creek XIII, No. 1, Whole No. 23. (2009) pp. 16-17.[I1] “Paper Cuts Don’t Hurt at the Gerstein Library” Computers in Libraries 30. 2 (Mar 2010): 6-10.
Selected Exhibitions and Events • • • • •
Annual general meeting of the Health Science Information Consortium of Toronto Annual receptions for new faculty and graduate students Presentations during Open Access week each October An annual visit and in-depth evidence-based instruction session for a delegation of Chilean health professionals engaged in the Faculty of Medicine’s international program 6 Metre Man anatomical display, winter of 2009–2010
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COLLECTIONS Gerstein’s print collection contains nearly one million volumes and continues to grow. Currently the oldest volume in the GSIC is a book printed in 1736. A number of valuable and unique items from the library’s early collections have been relocated to the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at the University. The GSIC’s collection includes all sciences and health science disciplines and holds 945,000 volumes of journals and books. More than 100,000 electronic journals and books are available on-site and digitally.
NOTABLE HOLDINGS FROM THE PRINT COLLECTIONS Deslandes, A.F.B. Recueil de differens traitez de physique et d’histoires naturelles, propres à perfectionner ces deux sciences, avec figures. Paris, Fricx, 1736 • The Philosophical magazine: a journal of theoretical, experimental and applied physics. London. 1798–2002 • Svenska vetenskapsakademien. Handlingar. Stockholm. 1739–1971 • complete set of the printed Index Medicus from 1879 to 1927 including the Surgeon General’s Catalogue and the Cumulated Index Medicus from 1960–2000 • complete set of the Hannah Institute for the History of Medicine biographies of luminaries in Canadian medicine • a strong collection of early cookbooks and nutrition research •
NOTABLE ARTIFACTS •
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•
Two large embroidered Victorian banners, one of St. George, the other of King Edward III on the battlefield of Crécy, donated by Governor General Lord Grey on behalf of the Princess of Wales in the early twentieth century Ark V. by Art Geisert, a large etching and watercolour depicting Noah, his ark and his many animals National Geographic Society. Palomar Observatory Sky Survey, 1960, consisting of 897 celestial charts, etched on glass plates
The circulation desk, looking east with stack entrance at right under clock, ca. 1910; detail of the same desk today (inset)
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LIBRARY SERVICES Collections are open to local and international researchers as well as interested members of the public. Reference advice is available seven days a week from a team of librarians, reference specialists and graduate students in information science, in person, by telephone, by mail, email and by instant messaging. In the most recent year, the staff assisted with almost 46,000 reference, research and directional questions. Librarians provide individual consultations on research questions to members of the University of Toronto community. Subject liaison librarians work with faculty to provide research assistance. Students at all levels in professional health programs and in the science disciplines receive instruction in research skills and information literacy. The GSIC is home to the executive offices of the Health Science Information Consortium of Toronto, established in 1989 by the University of Toronto Libraries to support all U of T fully affiliated teaching and community hospitals. As well, the GSIC participates in the work of the Consortium of Ontario Academic Health Libraries of which the University of Toronto was a founding member. The Centre is also a member of the Association of Faculties of Medicine in Canada’s Resource Group on Libraries. Additionally, it contributes to the Medical Heritage Library (www.medicalheritage.org) and the international Internet Archive (www.archive.org) while participating in an international inter-library lending network.
Renovated and relocated Information Desk
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PRESENT NEEDS As a key part of the University of Toronto Libraries, the Gerstein Science Information Centre is the fortunate custodian of Canada’s foremost research collection in the health sciences. Additionally, we have benefited from the strong leadership of our librarians and dedicated staff. We are particularly grateful to our donors and lovers of books who have recognized the importance of extending their support through financial aid and gift-in-kind donations. Nonetheless, current realities and the needs of today’s scholars require us to step up our efforts to maintain the library’s standing. The University as a whole faces financial pressure for the foreseeable future. Among other challenges, the effects linger from the 2008 market losses. Additionally, the University’s per-student revenues are less than one-tenth the average level of resources available to private research-intensive US institutions and well under one-half the average level available to publicly-assisted research-intensive US universities. Of course, this significantly hampers our capacity to remain competitive and reduces the level of resources available to maintain – let alone strengthen – the libraries. The current renovation and renewal of the Centre began in 2000 for the benefit of the members of the University’s health and life sciences community. In the interim, much has been accomplished to complete the phases of renovation described in the Gerstein Master Plan. Several areas identified in the initial plan remain to be completed. Without a concerted effort to secure new resources, the Gerstein Science Information Centre will not be able to maintain the momentum we have experienced in the past. A decline in the reputation of the GSIC – and more broadly, the University of Toronto Libraries – would precipitate a loss in academic standing for the University and we would be less competitive in the race to attract the brightest faculty and students. With this in mind, we are seeking the participation of our many friends as we raise funds to support the renewal of our preeminent space for students, faculty, scholars and the broader community.
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Collaborative Student Space The ability to collaborate is an increasingly important aspect of student life and civic engagement. There is a pressing need for the Library to create additional group learning spaces to meet student needs and to foster collaboration and creativity. Selfcontained study rooms specially designed to seat groups of 6 to 8 students will surround a central open “collaboratory” furnished with groupings of chairs and sofas. Wired/wireless connections enabling access to online library resources will be available in each group study room to aid students as they study together or work on group assignments. The central space and the group study rooms present a variety of naming opportunities.
Scholars’ Hall With views of Convocation Hall and King’s College Circle, Scholars’ Hall will be an inspirational retreat from the busy pace of academic life. Envisioned as a place for quiet contemplation and reflective learning, the room features comfortable seating, and a fireplace with the original mantel from the chief librarian’s 1910 office. Well spaced, individually lit study tables will be added and the original wainscoting along the hall’s perimeter will be lined with individual carrels for those needing further privacy. Portraits of distinguished medical and science professors from the collection of the University of Toronto Art Centre grace the walls.
Mezzanine Reading Room
Artist’s concepts of collaborative student space, Scholars’ Hall and the Mezzanine Reading Room.
This tri-level room will highlight the original 1892 architecture and the unique construction of the heritage journal stacks to incorporate light, vertical and horizontal connections and an openness which will accommodate modern student study space on two levels surrounding a central floating glass walkway. The walkway evokes the floor treatment in the Library’s 1910 stacks and provides both a physical and symbolic connection between the heritage of the past and the modern 21st century library.
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1910 Courtyard Enclosure and Original Historic Office of the Chief Librarian Enclosure of the 1910 courtyard will bring the outside in, improving connections and way finding between the main floor of the Heritage Building and the group study rooms on the lower level, capitalizing on the use of existing space. In addition to making the lovely exterior detail of the library’s earliest stack accessible from inside the library, the courtyard will provide clear access to the refurbished former Chief Librarian’s suite, complete with fireplace. A wonderful opportunity to create a dramatic yet calming/contemplative space for students as well as several additional graduate student offices.
Looking into the 1910 courtyard
Education Commons & the Wallace Room The heavily used Education Commons and the Wallace Room on the main floor of the 1954 Sigmund Samuel Library Building will be reconfigured with ergonomic furniture and expanded by 65%, providing 30 additional convenient, comfortable workstations with wide screens. Table seating, individual carrels and lounge furniture, all wired for student convenience, will be added to this spacious high tech study area in the next phase of the Centre’s renovation to increase the room’s capacity by 50% to 224 seats. New energy efficient windows will improve the wing’s somewhat dated outward appearance and elevate the interior of this large and utilitarian study area to a new level of desirability. Improved temperature levels at the room’s perimeter will also permit the addition of attractive counter seating, allowing students to enjoy the natural light and excellent views of the University’s front campus.
The Wallace Room when it opened in 1955
The Wallace Room, cleared of journal stacks to make way for additional study space, 2011
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Elevator 1910 wing/heritage stacks and new staircase The stacks wing was added in 1910 and has been listed by the City of Toronto as a heritage site. Renovation and restoration will address much needed improvements to lighting and aesthetics while the new elevator will improve security and accessibility. The original 1910 glass floors and continuous metal stack, which transcend all five floors will remain a heritage feature of the site.
Gerstein Reading Room Entrance Restoration This element of the GSIC renewal will see the completion of the restoration of the 1892 stone wall at the entrance to the Gerstein Reading Room. A reminder of the Library’s heritage, the stone entry serves as a connection between former scholars and students of today and the future. Science students and scholars who use the Centre will enjoy new technologies and new spaces designed to meet their needs as they study and work within a community of fellow academics, friends and colleagues. To maximize our users’ experience, the Library will revitalize those areas immediately adjacent to the newly exposed 1892 stone wall, including spaces between it, the Information Desk and the area which leads to the heritage journal stacks and group study rooms on the main floor.
Electronic Classroom, second floor north
Windows in the Heritage Stacks
UTL is acutely aware of the growing demand for wired teaching space to serve our students. At present, our modest space for this purpose is in high demand and competition for locations to hold library literacy and information sessions is fierce. A second electronic classroom would make a significant difference to the Centre’s ability to deliver its mandate. It would also afford the Library the opportunity to house more students than the existing electronic classroom which consists of only 19 workstations. The addition of 25 to 30 computer spaces would accommodate larger groups, while allowing two classes to be held simultaneously.
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OUR VIEW FOR THE FUTURE OF THE LIBRARY A measure of a university is found in the resources, breadth and distinction of its library. The University of Toronto Libraries is fortunate to steward remarkable collections and acclaimed facilities which were the product of the vision, curatorship and tenacity of those who preceded us. We are committed to extending this vitally important legacy for the benefit of future generations of health and life sciences students, researchers and scholars. Through the participation of our donors, our success within the University of Toronto’s Boundless Campaign will enable an important transformation of the Gerstein Science Information Centre’s facilities to support students in their pursuit of knowledge. While our attention will be focused on the renewal of the Centre, we will continue to develop the essential digital and print resources to serve the teaching and research needs of the University and assist in accomplishing U of T’s strategic goals. By revitalizing the Centre’s facilities, we will honour the legacy of previous generations of benefactors who understood the importance of the library to campus life, to scholarship and to knowledge creation.
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WAYS OF SUPPORTING THE GERSTEIN SCIENCE INFORMATION CENTRE A philanthropic gift to the Gerstein Science Information Centre may be given as a directed donation or pledge to a specific component of our renewal work; or as an unrestricted gift to assist with the Library’s current priorities. The GSIC staff and the U of T Libraries Advancement Office are able to advise donors who are considering a gift and would like to explore naming opportunities. These include: Scholars’ Hall - $600,000 (TBC) E-Classroom - $700,000 (TBC) Education Commons - $2,000,000 (TBC) 1910 Courtyard and Chief Librarian’s Historic Offices - $2,500,000 (TBC) Donors may support the Library through several methods, including cash donations, gifts in kind, donations of marketable securities or planned gifts, such as bequests, gifts of life insurance or other vehicles.
Donor Benefits Depending on the level of a donor’s gift, recognition opportunities may include invitations to exhibition openings and special lectures as a Friend of the GSIC. Recognition opportunities appropriate to the level of gift may be tailored to donors’ specifications.
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CONCLUSION The Gerstein Science Information Centre is a vital component of the University of Toronto’s health and life sciences community and a welcoming home to countless students. We know we are making a difference to student life and the work of academics and scholars from our followings on Twitter and Facebook. Your participation is warmly welcomed and will ensure that future generations of students and scholars are supported in their studies by up-to-date services, flexible spaces outfitted with current technology to assist them and access to outstanding collections and resources, as they further their pursuit of knowledge.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sandra Langlands, Director Gerstein Science Information Centre Sigmund Samuel Library Building 7 & 9 King’s College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A5 s.langlands.melvin@utoronto.ca | 416.978.6370
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