It is good to have the front doors of the Central Library open again and people moving about. We currently have about 200 students studying. The new apple computers look very smart.

Library IT are still working from Level 2, however the Collections Team have moved to Level 5 and the Library Management team are back on Level 3.

The Central Library staff room is also available again.

The report from the shelving consultants was received today so, I am now in a position to recommend what work is completed next. About half of the shelving on Level 4 is to be removed which I think well take 4-5 weeks. All stock in this area will be boxed and taken off site until we have another area ready to shelve into.

Additional bracing needs to be done on all other floors. Level 6 appeared to have faired well, with minimal stock coming off the shelves. However even in this area there are stacks which will need to be demolished.

Please stress to students and staff that the delay in reopening is not as a result of the RFID project. The reality is that a large earthquake causes a lot of damage to shelving which on a first look is not obvious. Also there is no new shelving available to purchase, I have now been waiting for 3 weeks just for a quote for new shelving let alone actually getting an order in.

Level 4
This week most work is happening on level 4. Glaciers, Crown, builders who are dismantling shelving, casual staff who are picking up books ready for Crown staff to scan and pack.

Any queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Joan Simpson