Future front entrance view of the Taubman Library.
U-M photo
University of Michigan's Board of Regents Thursday unanimously approved the design for a $55 million renovation of the Taubman Health Sciences Library.
Plans include moving much of the library's print collection to other areas and making way for classrooms, computer labs and spaces that support group collaboration and facilitate simulation and other technology-rich assessments.
The conversion of library space, which primarily is used by medical and pharmaceutical researchers and students, reflects the changing reality of medicine and other health professions, U-M officials say.
"Medical education has changed dramatically from the time that I went to medical school," U-M Health System CEO Ora Pescovitz noted during the Thursday afternoon regents meeting.
The renovation is set to begin later this year.
Meanwhile, the board also approved the schematic design for a new softball facility and next steps in its renovation of South Quadrangle.
Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.