UNLV’s Lied Library opening behind schedule

Wednesday, June 28, 2000 | 10:21 a.m.

The opening date of the new UNLV Lied Library is a full year behind schedule.

University officials announced Tuesday the opening has been pushed back to Jan. 9.

The $53 million building project has been plagued with construction troubles since it began in March 1998.

Mold that could cause serious illness had to be removed. Flooring not designed to bear the weight of bookshelves had to be fortified. Fire safety issues had to be resolved.

Funded with a mix of public and private capital, the library project is now in the hands of the Nevada Public Works Board. The board is overseeing the work of the general contractor, Tibesar Construction.

"Whenever the state public works board issues (a certificate of occupancy), we'll be glad to accept the building," said Juanita Fain, the university's vice president for administration.

That's when the university will begin the process of moving in, Fain said.

Transferring the 2 million-volume collection from the Dickinson Library alone is expected to take three weeks of around-the-clock work. UNLV has yet to be told when the occupancy order will be granted.

Students would experience no interruption in library services because of the January opening, Fain said. Most of the work will be done during semester break.

Despite the delays, UNLV administrators are pleased to have the end in sight.

"The computers will arrive the first of August," said Dean of Libraries Kenneth Marks.

By opening day, Lied will offer 355 work stations to the public and 200 work stations to staff members, Marks said.