Central Library – Re-Start
• It is hoped to get Level 2 and a small portion of Level 3 open to students from Monday 4 October 2010.
• With this in mind work has begun on dismantling the collapsed shelves on Level 3 between the lifts and the packing up by Crown of the books in that area to be stored until their new homes are determined. However, after the first day of this work it appears it will take longer than one week so Level 2 may be able to open but not the portion of Level 3 that is currently being cleared.
• Also this week it is hoped that half of Level 5 can be cleared in the area that was formerly The Loft with the ceiling tiles replaced and the current benches removed. This would allow Collection Services to be moved over to this area while the ceiling tiles are repaired in their workroom area. It would also allow them to relocate out of The Den on Level 2 to a new home on Level 5 in the interim. Collections staff are currently packing their personal belongings up in preparation for the clearing of that floor.
• Similarly, Library administration can move back on to Level 3 when that area is cleaned up as there is very little damage in that area. Staff could then leave Level 2 also.
• The Staff Room on Level 5 needs cleaning up but is largely unharmed by the earthquakes and hopefully can be recommissioned for staff use from next week. The power is currently off on Level 5.

So the overall plan is to clear library staff from Level 2 and leave it as student computer and study space for the rest of this academic year. Access to the collection in other parts of the building including the bulk of Level 3 will not be available and the remaining collection on Level 2 will also be blocked off to students but access for staff to retrieve materials fr4om it will be available.
At the moment the hours are planned to be 8am to 5 pm with minimal staff necessary and no lending activities. Some ICT Help Desk staff may come back on to Level 2 also.

Gail
28.9.10