I do not understand construction was done on the quiet floor during the school year. Now there is no true quiet floor within the library! How are those of us that use that floor supposed to study?!
From: A concerned student

Pat Flanagan, Associate University Librarian for Public Services, responds....
Thank you for your question about the Cabell Library fourth floor renovation. We regret that the timing of the construction coincided with spring semester. Our original hope was to have the renovation take place between fall and spring semesters. However, as with many construction-related projects, there were unavoidable delays, and we also learned that the project would take a significantly longer period overall to complete than we originally anticipated. Ultimately, there was no scheduling that would have avoided the renovation happening during academic semesters.

That being the case, our staff has worked closely with the construction team on site to avoid the noisiest of tasks at peak hours. The construction crew has been very amenable to these requests, and construction only takes place during normal business hours leaving the building quiet after 5:00 p.m. Also, the noisiest components of the project are scheduled for after the end of exams. In addition, we have established a new quiet study area on the second floor. The new area is identified by signs and is at the front of the building on the second floor, overlooking the bus stop and the Cathedral.

In the end, the results of the renovation are going to bring very good things to the fourth floor of Cabell. For the first time, graduate students will have a dedicated reading room, as is the case at many universities. Our excellent Special Collections and Archives department will have a badly needed rejuvenation and added space to house its important collections. This, plus added exhibit space and an improved overall fourth floor appearance, will ultimately mean a truly fine facility for the VCU community. We are extremely sensitive to the issues the construction causes for students, however, and appreciate your bearing with us as we make these improvements.

For updated information, visit the VCU Libraries Renovations blog.