Library refurbishment project now completed!

The official handover of the refurbished Library buildings from contractors to University staff took place on Friday 24th February. A few internal projects are ongoing, to upgrade facilities for Library users:

The new book return terminals are scheduled to come into operation on Monday 19th March, linked to an automated book sorter to ensure that items are returned to the upper floors more quickly.

During the Easter vacation, the Key Texts collection will be moved into the glass-walled room next to the Lending Services desk. Two self-service machines, two library catalogue terminals and at least one photocopier will be provided.

Furniture for the Morrell Lounge (opposite the Lending Services desk) will be installed soon.

During the Summer vacation, the Music and Audiovisual collections will be moved from the JB Morrell Library into dedicated space on the ground floor of the Harry Fairhurst building, along with equipment for viewing and listening.

We hope you enjoy using the facilities and study space inside your refurbished Library buildings! Your comments are welcome at any time.

Work on Harry Fairhurst lift postponed

The work which was scheduled to take place on the lift in the Harry Fairhurst building has been postponed until further notice.

Harry Fairhurst building lift closed from 27th Feb

The public lift in the Harry Fairhurst building needs to be closed for 2-3 weeks starting Monday 27th February, for modernisation and upgrade of parts.

Whilst the lift is out of action, visitors to the building who are unable to use the stairs can access the first floor via the external lift. Start from outside the JBM main entrance, and follow the path past the cafe and along the front of the Harry Fairhurst. After taking the lift, continue past the fire escape to the staff entrance at the rear of the building. Instructions for gaining entry will be provided at the door.

Regrettably, the second floor of the Harry Fairhurst building will only be accessible by the stairs whilst the lift is out of action. Please contact Library staff if this causes difficulty for you.

Removal of portakabins from North Campus car park

The contractors' portakabins at the rear of the JB Morrell Library in the North Campus car park are scheduled for removal on Wednesday 29th February and Thursday 1st March. This will entail temporary closure of some areas of the car park between the JBM and the HYMS building.

Apologies for any disturbance whilst this work is underway.

JBM ground floor refurbishment: the end is in sight!

The hoardings that remain on the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library will be removed later this week. Please be aware that once this area's open to users, there may be a small amount of disruption whilst staff office equipment and furniture is moved back into the offices at the rear of the ground floor.

The Photography Office which has been based in the Raymond Burton Library for the past year will reopen in its former location on the JBM ground floor on Monday 27th February.

The new book returns terminals opposite the Lending Services desk will become operational later this term. Returned books will be sorted automatically so that they can be quickly transferred to the appropriate floor for reshelving.

During the Easter vacation, the Key Texts collection will be moved into a new permanent home in the glass-walled area adjacent to the Lending Services desk.

The public space towards the rear of the ground floor has been designated a "research lounge", with comfy seating and reading material. Further news to follow.

New Library Cafe now open

Come and try the Costa coffees, hot food, sandwiches, cakes and soft drinks at the refurbished and extended Library Cafe on the ground floor.

This week the cafe is open 09:00-17:00 Monday to Friday. Starting next week, opening hours will be extended into the evenings and weekends.

Access to JBM North Rooms

Building work is almost complete in the area around the North Rooms on the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library. The corridor opposite the main entrance now provides access to both rooms, where you will find journal archives, UK government publications and lesser-used books.

Extra seating on the JBM first floor

If you have visited the JB Morrell Library in the last few days, you may have noticed new seating on the first floor, in what was formerly the stairwell! The new floor which has been installed in this area should help prevent noise travelling from the ground floor into the upper building.

We hope you will find the new seating comfortable for studying. Comments welcome.

JBM ground floor progress report

Regular visitors to the JB Morrell Library will have noticed that the hoardings on the ground floor have recently been taken down. This should enable heat to circulate more effectively; thanks for bearing with us through the recent cold spell!

The area opposite Lending Services remains fenced off in order to allow contractors to finish decorating and installing furniture. This area will shortly become a new "Reference Lounge" with comfortable seating and light reading.

Installation of an automated book sorter is underway at the rear of the ground floor. Once this is operational, returned books will be transported more quickly to the correct floor for reshelving.

Look out for further news about the refurbished Library Cafe next week.