Study Space and Book Storage

Throughout this week we are boxing and removing stock from Floor 1 in preparation for the removal of shelving and handing over to the building contractors next week. To enable the book fetch service and keep stock as accessible as possible we are using floor space on Floors 2 and 3 to store boxed books.

As a result, study space on these floors is currently limited in some areas, and there will be disturbance as we move furniture and boxes. We have now completed work in the new part of the building (red zone) and as a result these are the best areas for undisturbed study this week.

From next week we hope to be able to provide a larger area of study space for use, but in the meantime please bear with us as we get this major project underway. There may be areas where access to stock is difficult, and if this causes a problem please ask a member of staff for assistance.

Book A Group Study Room Online

We’ve just launched a self service booking system for Group Study Rooms, meaning you no longer have to queue to make or edit bookings. You’ll find a link under ‘Room Bookings’ on the front page of the Library website, or click here. Log in using your Brunel network credentials, and you’re ready to book.

The usual limits apply, meaning you can book up to a week in advance, and you can book a maximum of 2 hours a day per user. Remember that the person whose card was used to make the booking will need to collect the keys, and if you have follow-on bookings the keys still need to be returned and then reissued at the relevant times.

Want to Win An iPod Nano?

We’re running a short survey to find out what you think about the Library Environment, what you think we’re doing well and where you think we can make improvements. If you can take the time to answer 10 questions for us, we’ll enter you into a draw to win an iPod Nano  – please give your Brunel email address to be entered.

Winter Update – Heating in the Library

Since the heating across the University was turned on a few weeks ago, we have been experiencing a number of separate issues in the Library, and these are still being worked on or investigated by Estates. Unfortunately, the current cold snap has hit us before these are resolved, and as a result some parts of the Library are feeling particularly cold.

One major piece of work, the rebuilding and reinstallation of a fan on the roof of the Bannerman Centre,  is due to complete next week, and should see full heating restored in the older part of the building.  In addition, there are ongoing issues with the vented heating system in the new part of the building, which is generally working properly but not reaching all areas. This particularly seems to affect areas on all floors towards the front – this is still being investigated by University Estates.

Last night we received reports that the Law Library was particularly cold, and this was because there had been a complete failure of the boiler which runs the radiators for this part of the building  - it was successfully restarted this morning and has been running smoothly since then.

If you are working in the Library and find it is particularly cold, please send details through to rob.wannerton@brunel.ac.uk, stating where the problem is, and we’ll look into it. Since these are often are localised, if possible it’s also worth trying a different part of the Library. In the meantime, please accept our apologies for any discomfort while we get this sorted.

Summer Changes, Part 1 – Self Issue & Return

If you’re rejoining us after the summer break, you’l notice a lot of changes in the Library. Our major change over the summer has been the introduction of RFID – this is a way of identifying items which means we have been able to install new self service machines which are faster and easier than any we’ve used before.

We already have self issue machines installed on ground floor, and in a couple of weeks we’ll be launching the new self returns machine which will remove returned items from your account automatically, and issue you with a receipt for them. If you’re unsure about how to use these machines, our staff will be happy to show you how.

Short Loan Collection

As part of the Ground Floor Restructuring this summer, short loan items are currently being moved onto the main shelves. If you are having difficulty finding particular items please ask a member of staff, as there are a number of ongoing projects which are requiring stock to be moved.

When borrowing items, please ensure you are aware of the loan period and that it fits your requirements.

Help Desk Changes

If you’re around the Library today, you’ll notice something is missing. Our old Help Desk was removed last night, as shown in the photos. There will be more work over the weekend to complete the installation of our new Welcome Desk, and from Monday access will resume through the main Library entrance.

During August work will move onto the creation of our new Help Desk, and until then desk services will be based on the Welcome Desk. To help reduce queues during this time, please use the self service issue machines to issue your books whenever possible.