Category Archives: Building work

You said, we did

Posted on by
Reply

You said, we did!

The RSL team have been working hard to gather your feedback on the newly reopened library. You may have left a suggested on the feedback whiteboard, or maybe you had a chat with one of us. We received an eclectic range of suggestions and we took it all on board and are pleased to show you some of the cool new stuff you asked for!

(To those who requested it: Sorry, we won’t be getting an RSL cat any time soon…)

Vending machines!

Our new vending machines offer snacks, cold drinks, and hot drinks

There are now two vending machines in the vending area. Here you can purchase a variety of snacks as well as cold and hot drinks. Cards and cash are accepted.

Lids for drinks!

If you’re purchasing a drink from one of the vending machines, please help yourself to a lid from the counter.

Lids can be found on the kitchenette counter

Remember:

  • Drinking water and drinks contained in a KeepCup or another container with a sealable lid are allowed throughout the RSL. Other food and drinks are not allowed in the reading rooms or on the stairs. Cold food and drinks in sealed cups are allowed in certain spaces; please check the signage.

More seating!

We’re still figuring out some aspects of the new layout, but we’ve found the space to bring in more seating.

Extra tables can be found in the social study space and reading rooms

Laptop stands!

We’ve purchased height adjustable laptop stands for all reading rooms.

Feel free to grab a laptop stand and get settled in

Sanitary products!

There’s now free tampons and pads in all RSL bathrooms for those moments when you need them. Let a member of staff know if we’ve run out or are getting low.

A range of pads and tampons are available in all RSL toilets

Wellbeing goodies!

If you’ve been to the wellbeing room recently (situated on the lower floor, floorplan here) you might have noticed an increase in activities on offer: We’ve added in more of the things you have asked for: markers, chess set, uno, and even more paper for origami.

Think you can do better? Give it a go!

Don’t forget to pop into one of our Lego lunches which run in the Wellbeing Room 1300-1400 on Wednesdays.

We’re continually looking to improve the RSL, so please do drop us a line if you have any comments or suggestions: enquiries.rsl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Accessible lift out of order

Posted on by
Reply

Accessible lift out of order

The accessible lift in the Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) is currently out of order. This means there is no level-access to the lower-ground floor and the Quiet Reading Room.

The small lift, which gives access to the Informal Reading Room and Group Study Rooms 2, 3 and 4, can accommodate smaller wheelchairs. For questions on accessing the library contact marija.babic@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

We apologise for the inconvenience and are working to fix this as a matter of urgency.

The Weston Library, the Social Science Library, and the Vere Harmsworth Library all have level access and bookable group study rooms.

Sign that says out of order

Lower-ground floor reopens

Posted on by
Reply

Thank you to everyone for your patience last week. The lower-ground floor of the Radcliffe Science Library has now reopened. Our group study rooms, study carrells and Wellbeing Room are now opan and ready for use.

Photograph of Group Study Room 1 showing a desk surrounded by 6 chairs with a screen on the wall.

Group Study room 1 is open and available for bookings.

Unfortunately there is still a small bit of work ongoing on in the lower-ground floor. The break out area and the staircase accessing it will be out of use for Monday and Tuesday of this week. (25 and 26 March).

We apologise for the inconvenience.

Update on the RSL redevelopment project

Posted on by
Reply

The construction work on the Radcliffe Science Library building and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory is continuing after some delays during the Covid-19 pandemic. The library is now scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2023.

Radcliffe Science Library Worthington wing exterior from courtyard

Worthington wing exterior from courtyard image courtesy of Morgan Sindall)

The completed building will house Reuben College, the Radcliffe Science Library (currently operating from a temporary home in the Vere Harmsworth Library) and the Oxford University Museums Collections, Teaching and Research Centre (CTRC).

The site consists of:

  • The Jackson and Worthington wings of the Radcliffe Science Library building (Grade II listed)
  • Part of the current Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
  • A two-storey basement area
Aerial view of the Radcliffe Science Library and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory site with planned work marked

Aerial view of the site (image courtesy of Morgan Sindall)

The works in process involve:

  • Enabling works, including the removal of asbestos
  • Refurbishment of internal spaces to create flexible and modern library facilities in support of science and medicine in Oxford
  • External landscaping including the reinstatement of lawn area and dinosaur footprints outside the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.
  • Waterproofing of the two-storey basement area

Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd are the Principal Contractor for the works.

Morgan Sindall logo

Images of the Radcliffe Science Library before work commenced:

Images of work in progress (courtesy of Morgan Sindall):

UPDATE: More images of work in progress (courtesy of Morgan Sindall) – added 27 June 2022:

Building works outside the Vere Harmsworth Library

Posted on by
Reply

Essential construction works will be occurring on the Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) offices outside the Rothermere American Institute building, with the most disruptive works occurring from the 28th March-8th April 2022 (approx). The construction works will be located on the north side of RAI (facing South Parks Road and the Archaeology building).

The DLO has informed the RAI and VHL that essential works on the DLO offices will be taking place from the 21st March -5th May 2022. The most disruptive period of the construction works will occur approximately 28th March-8th April, when the construction workers will be breaking up concrete. This work will be noisy and create dust. After this period, the works should be less disruptive, although there will be some general background noise.

The works will not affect access into the RAI building, and the VHL will remain open as advertised.

The VHL and RAI have been told that the construction workers will be putting in place mitigations to reduce the volume of dust whenever possible. However, because of this, the windows on the north side of the building will be kept closed, to avoid dust clouds coming into the library. The windows on the south side of the building (facing Mansfield College and the Princess Margaret Gardens) will be opened by staff, in line with University and Bodleian Libraries guidance, but may be closed by readers if they wish.

To reduce noise disruption when working in the library, readers are recommended to avoid sitting near the windows on the north side of the library. Readers are also welcome to ask for earplugs, which are provided for free at the enquiry desk.

We apologise for any inconvenience or disruption caused to readers.

If you have any further questions about working in the Vere Harmsworth Library, please ask at the Information Desk, or email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk. For further information about the DLO construction works, email Bethan Davies, VHL Librarian at bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.