Library refurbishment: project update

Thursday, 24 March 2016

We wanted to provide you with an update on the Library redevelopment project. At this point, a contractor is due to be appointed late March/ early April– once this has been completed, we will be able to provide you all with more detailed information on upcoming works. 

A presentation was delivered to the Leadership Group in early March by colleagues from the Library. This will be made available to you all shortly. 

Construction for the project will begin in mid-July.  Between then and the start of the autumn term, several large-scale construction tasks are planned in the Library. These include: enclosing the site and erecting large overhead protection platforms at either end over the access road and the front entrance area; installing large partitions inside the Library to segregate the planned working areas; demolition and removal of one of the staircases; punching holes in the ground floor; foundation works in the basement for new lifts; refurbishing ground floor offices; temporary modifications to the café. At times there will be noise, and access to some areas will be restricted. Specific details of what this is likely to entail will be provided as soon as possible. 

Whilst the majority of undergraduate students will be away from Reading for the summer vacation, we are very aware of the possible impact of this on staff, taught postgraduates completing dissertations, PhD and other researchers, and any undergraduates working on dissertations. 

But be assured that the Library will maintain its usual summer vacation opening hours and all printed books on Floors 2-4 will remain accessible. Library staff will still be on hand to help, including your Liaison Librarian, as will the Study Advice and Maths Support teams.

The University and the Library will continue to provide as much information as possible on the proposed works and alternative arrangements during this time. We are currently exploring providing alternative study spaces, including some with PCs, and will update you as soon as any plan is complete.  In the meantime, a list of PC areas beyond the Library can be found here. Extra study space is also available at RUSU’s ‘The Study’, and unreserved teaching spaces can be booked via Room Bookings.

At any time during Library refurbishment 2016-19, you will find further information and day-to-day updates at www.reading.ac.uk/library/refurb. 

If you have queries on any of the above please contact Julia H. Munro via email or call extension 8774

Indicative timeline for works in 2016