Category Archives: Building work

Rothermere American Institute roof works, commencing July 4th 2022

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[UPDATE: The estimated end date for the roof works has been delayed, and is now estimated to be completed by February 2023 (subject to change). Read our most recent blog post for more information – updated 7th December 2022]

[UPDATE: The erection of the scaffolding has been delayed, and is now expected to be installed from the week commencing 18th July 2022. We apologise for any inconvenience – updated 11th July 2022] 

University Estates needs to undertake essential remedial work to the internal structure of the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) roof. It is estimated the work will take up to 22 weeks to complete: from w/c 4th July 2022 up to and including w/c 28th November 2022 (week 8 of Michaelmas Term) [Note: the estimated end date for the roof works has now been updated – see UPDATE at the top of the page.] The majority of the work is scheduled during the summer months to reduce the impact on as many readers as possible and we will work closely with University Estates to mitigate the level of disruption to library users. 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.

Noise levels should not be too disruptive in the w/c 4th July when the construction area will be set up and secured. Part of the preparations will involve moving the bicycle racks to the grassy area behind the Archaeology building, where they can still be used by VHL readers.

It is expected that scaffolding will be erected around the RAI building from Monday 18th July 2022. Noise levels from this work will be short term, intermittent and frequent throughout. [NOTE: the date of expected scaffold installation has been updated – see UPDATE at the top of the page] 

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.

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.

 

Building works outside the Rothermere American Institute, 21st June 2022

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[UPDATE: The excavation works have been completed. We would like to thank readers for their patience and understanding. 17/06/2022]

Essential excavation works will be occurring outside the perimeter of the Rothermere American Institute building, on Tuesday, 21st June, 8am-5pm. There will be minimal and intermittent disruptive noise from the works.

University employed contractors will be required to perform excavation works around the RAI building. The VHL and RAI were informed that this work will be occurring on Tuesday 21st June, starting at 8am, and expecting to finish at 5pm. The works will involve intermittent drilling, and there will be some noise disruption, which will be kept to a minimum level throughout.

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

It is recommended that readers avoid sitting near the windows, particularly 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 the short notice, and 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 works, email Bethan Davies, VHL Librarian at bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

Building works outside the Vere Harmsworth Library

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[UPDATE: The construction works on the concrete have been completed, with only intermittent background noise expected until the 5th May. Windows on the north side of the building can now be opened. We would like to thank readers for their patience and understanding. 11/04/2022]

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.

Announcement: VHL closure on April 30th, 2021 (morning only)

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The Vere Harmsworth Library (VHL) will be closed for the morning of April 30th, 2021, due to essential electrical works across the Rothermere American Institute (RAI) building.

The VHL expects to re-open from 1:30pm, for the beginning of the afternoon study sessions (1:30pm – 5:00pm), and remain open until the end of the evening sessions (5:30pm-9:00pm). We will aim to update readers of any changes to these plans as soon as possible via our Twitter account.

VHL study spaces and Browse and Borrow slots for the morning of April 30th have been removed on SpaceFinder, alongside collection slots for RSL and VHL material via Click and Collect. Readers wishing to return their books in the morning may use the Returns hubs based around Oxford.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have any questions about the expected closure, please email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

 

RSL Decant: Planned closure of the VHL on Saturday 18th January

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The Vere Harmsworth Library will be closed on Saturday 18th January, 2020. This is to allow for unavoidable work on the Ground Floor of the Library.

As part of the RSL Decant to VHL Project 2020-21, works will need to be carried out by the ground floor entrance of the Vere Harmsworth Library. This will mainly be focused on the installation and set up of the new access control gates.

The RSL Decant Project Team and construction workers have advised the Vere Harmsworth Librarian that access into the Vere Harmsworth Library Ground Floor entrance will be blocked whilst this work is in progress. It will also be disruptive to Library services, and include a significant amount of noise and mess.

After careful consideration of the above information, and of alternative methods of entry into the Library, the Vere Harmsworth Librarian has agreed to close the Library on the 18th of January, to ensure that work can be completed as swiftly as possible.

The Library will re-open on Sunday 19th January (11 am – 5pm), subject to the completion of the works. The Librarian will aim to update Readers on the progress of the works as soon as possible.

We will aim to provide information on any further works in the Library via this blog, the Twitter (@vhllib) and Facebook (@vereharmsworthlibrary) accounts, and by email.

We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience caused to Readers at this time.

Further information on the proposed book moves and a title list of relegated journals and reference titles can be found in the RSL Decant Consultation documents on the VHL website. 

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 RSL Decant, email Bethan Davies, VHL Librarian at bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

RSL Decant: Planned works on Thursday 9th January, some disruption expected – UPDATED

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UPDATE: (15/01/2020) The enquiry desk has now been installed and set up for use. Both RSL and VHL library staff are manning the desk, ready to answer your queries, alongside RAI related enquiries. Some minor works will still be occurring at the desk area as we settle in.

PREVIOUS UPDATE (10/01/2020): Work on the enquiry desk has continued into Friday morning (10th January). The works are expected to continue for the rest of today. The temporary Enquiry Desk (located on the right as you enter the Ground Floor) will remain in use for the rest of the day.

As part of the RSL Decant to VHL Project 2020-21, works will need to be carried out by the ground floor entrance of the Vere Harmsworth Library, to install and set up the new Enquiry Desk.

The RSL Decant Project Team and construction workers will be moving and installing the new desk on the morning of Thursday, 9th January, 2020.

The Librarian has been advised that the majority of the physical moving, and noisiest part of the works, will aim to be completed by 9 am, when the Library is expected to open. By this point, the entrance to the Vere Harmsworth Library Ground Floor should be clear for readers to enter.

Work on the newly installed desk, however, would continue, including setting up electronic and internet points. Therefore, in the interim, library staff will be based on a temporary enquiry desk, which will be set up on the Ground Floor. This will allow for readers to check out books, and for staff to respond to any further enquiries.

Readers are advised that whilst the most disruptive part of the planned works will be occurring before the Library opens, there will be some noise on the Ground Floor of the Library whilst during the morning.

The newly installed desk should be completed and ready to use from the Thursday afternoon.[UPDATE: The desk has now been installed and is in use. See first Update above at the top of the page.]

The Librarian will aim to update readers on the progress of the works as soon as possible. We will aim to provide information on any further works in the Library via this blog, the Twitter (@vhllib) and Facebook (@vereharmsworthlibrary) accounts, and by email.

We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience caused to readers at this time.

Further information on the proposed book moves and a title list of relegated journals and reference titles can be found in the RSL Decant Consultation documents on the VHL website. 

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 RSL Decant, email Bethan Davies, VHL Librarian at bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk.

RSL Decant: Shelf access and book moves update

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[Update 24/01/2020] Access has now been restored to the first row of book shelves on the Western side of the VHL on the 1st and 2nd Floor. Readers will be able to collect  their own books from these shelves. We thank everyone for their patience during this time]

 

Work is continuing in the Vere Harmsworth Library to prepare for the RSL Decant. This includes works on the First and Second Floor and internal book moves, which will allow for the RSL titles to be shelved on the Second Floor (see the RSL Decant Project 2020-21 for more details).

The following blogpost covers updates from 12/12/2019.

Access on western side of the 1st and 2nd Floor and Staff Collection Service [Updated 16/12/2019]

Due to works on the western side of the 1st and 2nd Floor (the sides facing Love’s Lane), the first row of book shelves immediately facing the Western sides have been covered, to protect our collections. From 16/12/2019 these books on the 1st and 2nd Floor shelves are not accessible to Readers, either to browse, or to collect titles. The VHL will be operating a staff fetching service for this area, in liaison with the contractors.

If you require books within the Call Number ranges:

AC 5 .G615 –BR 555 . M  

or

F1 – F152 .L85 1957 

 please ask at the Enquiry Desk, or email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk, and our staff will collect the title for you to consult. If you are unsure if the books you wish to consult will be affected, please ask library staff.

Please note that this does not include titles on the other side of the shelf, (BR 555 . N onward or F13 onward), and the rest of the 1st and 2nd Floor titles will still be accessible to Readers.

Second Floor Book Moves – F Sequence

As part of the internal book moves, titles which are part of the F Classification, are in the process of being split across the Second and First Floor. This work will be occurring over the next few days. The VHL Librarian will update Readers once this work has been complete. Please see above regarding titles from the F Sequence which are currently only available through our staff fetching service.

If Readers require any titles from the F Sequence, or are unsure of where their book might be, please ask the Library staff at the Enquiry Desk.

Other Book Move Updates

As of 12/12/2019, the following moves are ongoing:

Basement

  • Work has started on moving Radcliffe Science Library books to the VHL Stack on Monday 9 December. A fetching service for books will be provided for RSL Readers whilst the transfer is taking place. See here for more information. 

First and Second Floor 

  • Work has started on moving Radcliffe Science Library books to the VHL Second Floor on the eastern side (facing the car park). A fetching service for books will be provided for RSL Readers whilst the transfer is taking place. See here for more information. 
  • The rest of the titles on the First and Second Floor have been moved along the shelves to fill up empty shelf space, and create room for the RSL collection. Readers may notice that some titles have been moved a few shelves along, but should still be available and on the same floor, except for the F Sequence (please see above).

As of 12/12/2019, the following planned book moves have been completed:

Basement

  • New York Times and Washington Post Newspapers have been moved to the BSF for the duration of the RSL Decant.

Ground Floor 

  • The Congressional Record has been moved into the VHL Stack, and is available by request (please include details such as the Congress/Volume that you require.) Please note that the Bodleian Library also provides online access to the Congressional Record.
  • A number of primary sources have been moved to the Ground Floor. They are currently housed along the row of shelves where the Congressional Record was, and on the recently installed metal shelving on the wall of the Godfrey Hodgson Study Room. Please check our previous blogpost on the Ground Floor book moves for more information. 
  • Items from the Microfilm collection have been moved to the BSF. Collections which have been moved are either collections where we have complete, stable online access, or other collections within the Bodleian Libraries. Microfilm cards can still be requested by Readers to be viewed in certain Bodleian Libraries.
  • Because of this, several Microfilm cabinets have been removed. The remaining cabinets have been reorganised.
  • The Microfilm guides have been moved to the recently installed metal shelving on the wall of the Godfrey Hodgson Study Room.
  • The Reference collection has been relegated in line with Appendix C in the RSL Decant History Addendum, as part of the Consultation Process. Please refer to the Information Desk if you are having trouble finding any specific titles.
  • The remaining Reference Collection is now located on the  recently installed metal shelving on the wall of the Godfrey Hodgson Study Room, and the end island cases.

First and Second Floor

  • A number of journal titles have been relegated in line with Appendix B in the RSL Decant History Addendum, as part of the Consultation Process. Please refer to the Information Desk if you are looking for specific titles.
  • The New Journal Display has been moved from the First Floor, and will be reinstalled on the Ground Floor as part of the New Books Display.
  • All Oversize titles are now located on the First Floor on the east side (the side facing the car park). Oversize materials have an x at the front of their Call numbers (for example xA 124 .B45 2000). If you are unsure if the book you are searching for is oversize or not, ask at the enquiry desk.

If you are struggling to find any specific titles, please ask at the Information Desk, or email vhl@bodleian.ox.ac.uk. We apologise for any disruption or inconvenience caused at this time.

Tuesday 12 Nov: VHL open 10am-4pm with limited service

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Following the leak and shut-down of electrics in the RAI and VHL yesterday and today, we continue to experience disruption to power. For Tuesday 12 November we are planning to open the library and run a limited service as follows:

  • The RAI building is open as normal but the Library will be open between 10am and 4pm only.
  • Only the study spaces in the Mezzanine Level will be accessible. Please note that the desk lamps and powersockets will not work.
  • None of collections on the open shelves on the 1st and 2nd Floor will be accessible due to lack of lighting. A staff fetching service from open shelf collections will operate during this time.
  • Book stack deliveries will resume. Orders due to have been delivered today will be made available tomorrow.
  • Wifi is working, but there will be no Library PCs and PCAS services.
  • We are not expecting our telephones to work.

We hope for full power to be restored on Wednesday but will make a further announcement tomorrow.

You can follow us on Twitter for any further updates and if you need to speak to a member of library staff, please contact the Bodleian’s Main Enquiry Desk on 01865 (2)77162.

Many apologies for the continued disruption.

Announcement: VHL Library Closed

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The Vere Harmsworth Library is closed from today (Sunday 10th November, 2019) and all day Monday (11th November 2019.)
This is due to a leak which requires the electronics of the RAI Building (and therefore the VHL Library) to be shut down.
Updates on the situation will be provided via:
Queries regarding library access can be passed to the Bodleian’s Main Enquiry Desk on 01865 (2)77162.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.