All posts by tcb11

Library Wide

Check out the fantastic new online exhibition launched today

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Learning by design

The University of Canterbury has long held a special place in the life of Christchurch, and nowhere is this more obvious than in the original buildings of Canterbury College. The new online exhibition Learning by Design gives a visual history of the town site, which is now home to the Christchurch Arts Centre.

Through a wealth of architectural drawings, photographs, books and archives drawn from UC’s Library collections, the exhibition shares the story of the buildings, and the people who lived and worked in them.

Starting with the University’s humble beginnings in 1873 as Canterbury College, Learning by Design traces the evolution of the institution through to 1973 when the University’s move to Ilam was complete and the site was gifted to the people of Christchurch. Learning by Design celebrates the formidable union between the University, architects, staff, students, and the wider Christchurch community that led to the creation of Canterbury College.

The exhibition shows that the buildings are more than just bricks and mortar – they form the foundations of UC and the exhibition showcases not only the early physical fabric of the University but also aspects of campus life.

To view the exhibition, go to http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/canterburycollege/
Jill

Library Wide

Returning items to library storage areas

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Please ensure that when you are putting items into hampers or blue bags for returning them to storage that you check the collection code so that you can then clearly label bag or hamper with the correct location. The most important thing is which warehouse – there are 2 – library warehouse and UC warehouse. It is very annoying for the warehouse guys to be moving items around the system because it is not clear which warehouse the item belongs in and we can’t expect them to know or check the codes, that’s our job.

Many thanks
Jill

Library Wide

UC Library Archvist appointed

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It is my pleasure to announce that Erin Kimber has been appointed to the role of University Library Archivist. Erin’s considerable knowledge of the collections, her understanding of the linkages between published and unpublished materials, her technical ability and skill in promoting the collections will be invaluable in the months ahead. Congratulations Erin!

Jill

Health and Safety

Library warehouse retrievals – update to H & S status

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Due to all the amazing work that has occurred over the past few months in the Library warehouse, there has been a significant reduction in the health and safety risk to staff working in this area. In most cases the height reduction in the shelves and the placing of heavier items on lower shelves means that the stacks are much more stable and the risk of heavy items falling off in the event of an earthquake or other mishap has been greatly reduced. Aisles are now clear, shelves are sensibly ordered and items are much easier to locate thereby considerably reducing the irritation factor!

The need for 2 people to retrieve together from the area is therefore deemed no longer necessary. However, to ensure that your safety is always paramount, please make sure that you signout on your whiteboard in your home workplace when you go across to do retrievals or other work, so that we know where you are if an earthquake or other event occurs. Wear sensible shoes when mounting ladders or using footstools. If at any stage you feel that your safety is compromised for whatever reason (like trying to lift an item that you find too heavy), err on the side of caution – don’t do it – and let your manager or supervisor know. Similarly, if you identify a new hazard or think that old hazards are still an issue, notify it as soon as possible. If you do hurt yourself while in the warehouse or indeed anywhere at work, remember to fill in an Event Report Form. This is important for you if something that seems small at the time becomes an issue a few days down the track and helps us to identify real and potential hazards and mitigate their risks.

Macmillan Brown Library staff are likely to continue to work in twos because of the awkward and often heavy nature of the material they are retrieving.

Jill

Library Wide

Theses collection

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Hi library staff

Further to Joan’s email in December regarding the new location of the theses collection. There seems to be a little confusion around this – they are not held in MB – they are in storage in the Library warehouse, and MB staff do retrievals from this area once a day.

The theses can be requested online in the same way other items can be requested online. Theses must be viewed/used in the Macmillan Brown Library. But beware – just because they can be requested online doesn’t mean they are available full text online. Some are, of course, available digitally as well. You still need to read the record carefully.

Hope this is helpful

Jill

Library Wide

Retirement from MBL

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Hi everyone

Some of you may be aware that yesterday was Deirdre Cottrell’s last day with Library. She has taken retirement after a cumulative 20 years at UC, the most recent being her employment at MB from August 2007. At Deirdre’s request we marked her retirement with a small morning tea at MB yesterday. For those of you that might like to send her a farewell message her email account will be active for the next month.

Jill