[UPDATE: Please see our most recent blogpost for an update on the expected end date for the works – updated 7th December 2022]
Scaffolding required for essential remedial work to the internal structure of the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) roof, is expected to be delivered on Wednesday 20th July, 2022. Scaffolding will then be erected on the south facing side of the building (facing Mansfield College and the Princess Margaret gardens), on Friday 22nd July.
Access into the building will be maintained and signposted throughout the project and the VHL will remain open as advertised with normal library services in operation.
Readers will experience disruption with the installation of the scaffolding. Noise levels from this work will be short term, intermittent and frequent throughout. Scaffolding on the south side of the building will mostly affect the mezzanine area, and it is recommended that readers avoid sitting in this area.
Access into the building will be maintained and signposted throughout the project and the VHL will remain open as advertised with normal library services in operation.
Please note that the VHL will continue to provide earplugs at the VHL enquiry desk.
We apologise for any inconvenience and disruption caused to our readers. We will aim to provide up to date information on expected works as soon as possible, in order to help readers to plan their research. We will continually meet with the contractors and University Estates to pass on any reader feedback, and work together to help reduce disruption whenever possible.
You can find out more background information on the roof works in our initial blogpost.
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 works, email Bethan Davies, VHL Librarian at bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.