For some years the Central Library has been asking for a lift suitable for users with disabilities, so that they could use the normal Library entrance rather than the staff lift. This will improve the service for disabled users as they will not longer have to make special arrangements to get access, and it will also improve security in the Library.

Peter Molony, Facilities Management, and Nick Courtney, Courtney Architects provided a plan of the proposed new lift to Gail this week. The proposed lift will be built in part of the Restricted Loans staff area. Users will enter in the lobby near to Security by the stairs and exit near the Library entrance. The lift mechanisms will be underneath the lift so the Attic will not be affected. The work is expected to commence after Show Weekend and it will be noisy as a big hole will need to be dug. It is expected that the lift will be operational some time after the start of Semester 1. It is also proposed that Disability Support will move into the old Bindery area.

The construction will affect staff located in the area and working on the desk. There will be discussions with the staff affected on the best ways to minimise the disruption but, as staff working in Engineering know, building contruction is noisy and dusty.

Nick Courtney will be contacting Janette Nicolle soon to develop some proposals for the reorganisation of Level 2 based on the work of the One Desk Project. While the lift proposal is separate, it will need to be taken into account in any proposed solutions.

I am aware that staff have concerns about the affect of the proposed lift construction both on their working area and for the service they provide to users. Please feel free to discuss this with me at any time.

Anne