The William R. Jenkins Architecture and Art Library at the University of Houston was severely damaged during Hurricane Ike last September. A tornado ripped eight tons of copper roofing from the west wing of the College of Architecture. Rain water filtered through four floors, including the Visual Resources Department, faculty offices, studios, and classrooms. The Jenkins Library on the first floor did not receive the same rain damage that nearly obliterated Visual Resources. The mildew and mold infestation that followed, however, required that the ceiling, carpet, walls, and much furniture and equipment, be replaced.

Part of the collection was taken to the M.D. Anderson Library, the University of Houston's central library. Over 60,000 volumes and loose journals were taken to an offsite storage facility for drying and treatment. The collection will be returned to the repaired library facility during the winter break. Shelving, equipment, and furniture replacement will continue in the upcoming months. During the spring semester, the library staff will gradually roll out normal services. Interlibrary loan and normal circulation will likely resume by the start of the spring semester.

Other art libraries in Houston have kindly assisted UH art students find information and resources temporarily missing from their home library. Jet Prendeville at Rice University and the entire Museum of Fine Arts, Houston library staff have assisted a large number of UH students this fall. The William R. Jenkins Architecture and Art Library staff is grateful to all their Houston Area colleagues for this extra help and support.