RSL Decant Project 2020-21 – Proposal and Consultation Papers

As part of the planned Parks College Development, it has been proposed that the Radcliffe Science Library’s undergraduate collection and services would be temporarily decanted to the Vere Harmsworth Library, from the period of January 2020-Summer 2021.

The proposal would provide Radcliffe Science Library (RSL) readers with study space, group study rooms, open shelf teaching collections and a service point for RSL related enquiries, during the Parks College development and the redevelopment of the RSL. This will impact on the VHL, its readers and on the RAI and its staff and fellows. Both the VHL and RAI as the foremost library and institution respectively for supporting the teaching and research activities in American studies in the UK. It is therefore very important ensure that the temporary science provision in the VHL will not harm those activities in any way.

Therefore, the Bodleian has been working, in advance of the decant, to ensure that any potential inconveniences to current users of the VHL and the RAI are identified and mitigated. This includes a consultation on these possible impacts and their amelioration with VHL staff, the Institute, the History Faculty and across the relevant academic divisions. The Consultations are a way of ensuring that our readers are able to feedback their concerns regarding the Decant Project, and consider possible ideas for the VHL’s future.

The Proposal and Consultation papers for the RSL Decant Project, 2020-21 are available for you to view on the VHL webpage. They include the current plans proposed for the VHL, issues already identified, and the mitigations which will be put in place. We encourage you to view these documents before providing your feedback.

You are welcome to provide your feedback to us in person at one of our upcoming Consultation Meetings (see below) or through our online survey, which closes on the 22nd October, 5pm. The survey is anonymous, and you would only need to provide details of your faculty and year of academic study.

Upcoming Consultation Meetings 

14 Oct. 4-5pm: Open Meeting, Lecture Theatre, Weston Library

16 Oct. 2.30-3.30pm: Townhall meeting for history students, Lecture Theatre, History Faculty

Any issues or questions about the consultation process can be directed to Bethan Davies, Vere Harmsworth Librarian: bethan.davies@bodleian.ox.ac.uk  

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