Still, they realize that some patrons will not want to work in the library given the necessarily increased noise.
In response they say that they are notifying other libraries to prepare to handle the overflow of patrons from Widener, and that they will notify students of underused facilities around campus.
Another potential complication to the renovations is that Harvard's library collection is not insured. The buildings are--through the University--but the collection itself has been called "priceless and irreplaceable," and the University has to swallow the loss if the collections are damaged.
Additionally, the library purchases $10 million in new materials a year, so the new construction is needed to "protect what we have, but [also] what we will," says Beth S. Brainard, Communications and Public Information Officer for the Harvard College Library.
But even after this massive construction, the library's renovators have been told to allow room for more changes in the future. Library officials say the circulation area and Loker reading room may be the next part of Widener to need a facelift.