The following information is now available via the Library webpage and I have requested it is included in Intercom.
Further remediation work on the Central Library and Learning Hub will commence from 21 November when the Hawkins Construction team plan to start removing windows and frames from the north side of Levels 2, 3 and 4 of the James Hight Building starting with the stairwells on the north side which face the C Block Lecture Theatre.
This work will mean that during December/January some areas of Levels 2, 3 and 4 will not be fully available to staff and students. In most cases access to the book stock will remain but there will be some areas where the library shelving is too close to the windows to maintain public access as the work is carried out. Library staff will maintain access to all library materials.
The reason the north side windows are being replaced first is that stage 2 of the Undercroft development will continue over the summer and the University is planning for Stage 2 to be completed by the start of the academic year 2012. Replacing the windows will mean that the scaffolding on the north side can be removed for the start of semester 1, 2012.
Over 2012 all Levels of the James Hight Building will have the following work completed:
• new windows and frames
• new carpet
• walls painted
• replacement of heavy ceiling tiles
• crack injecting in the floor
• changes to the heating system
• an upgrade to the lighting system
From February 2012 the Hawkins teams will start work on Level 7. This level is being set up as a restricted access library floor, so that it can be used to decant the stock from the upper floors . When Level 7 is ready the book stock on Level 11 will be moved and placed on the shelves on Level 7. You will need to place a hold for any item which has been moved to Level 7. The contractors will not release Level 7 for general access. However, we will be able to organise specific times when groups can visit the floor to browse for limited periods of time.
Once the work on Level 11 is completed , the dismantled shelving will be reinstalled and the books on Level 7 will be moved back to Level 11. There will be a capacity limit of 50 people at any one time on any floor above where the contractors are working. This limit is a legal requirement as only one stairwell will be available to evacuate the building.
The entire process will then start again with the stock on Level 10 being moved to Level 7. It is expected to take 6-8 weeks to complete the work on each level.
The location of the books will change over the year, and your ability to browse whenever you want will sometimes be restricted. However, the Library staff will always be working to provide you with the items you require in the quickest timeframe possible.
Timeframe: Levels 11-6 will be completed during the academic year. As mentioned above the replacment of windows on the north side of levels 4, 3 and 2 is going to be completed over this summer. All other remediation work on levels 4, 3 and 2 will be completed over the summer of of 2012/2013
The building should look fantastic when all of the work is completed sometime in 2013. In the meantime the Central Library will continue to provide a library service even though there will be periods of noise and disruption.
High Demand – 3 day LoansUntil all of the work with the moving of the collection has been completed the High Demand 3 day loan items will continue to be shelved on Level 2 in the Self Loan Area.
Joan Simpson