As the current plan stands, the main study space in Lamont will move upstairs to make way for more media-based research, such as the music library and research center.

The rationale behind this, according to Cline, is to keep the technology close to the staff on the main floor and make room for more quiet study space on the fifth floor of Lamont, a traditionally less crowded area of the undergraduate library.

But no one in HCL could confirm details of the plan for Lamont.

“We’re not sure that the third floor reading room is going to be divided,” said HCL spokesperson Beth Brainard. “A lot of things need to be done, we’re just not sure how much space is needed.”

Construction on Lamont is set to begin next summer, but with no exact figures or formal blueprint at hand, the plan is still up in the air. Cline says that HCL may organize focus groups to discuss the best directions for Lamont.

HCL and University Hall officials said there will be no loss of service at any of their libraries during the renovation period.

The University Hall press release said that amenities such as later hours may eventually be possible because of the change.

HCL has been mired in budget problems for several years, and efforts at trimming expenditures have met with limited success.

“We have been working on budget issues for ten months now,” Cline says. “But expenses rack up faster than income. Looking at these factors, we knew we had to make changes.”

Clearing out most of Hilles will save HCL $1 million in wages and maintenance.

—Staff writer Rebecca D. O’Brien can be reached at robrien@fas.harvard.edu.