April 2013 Round-Up - The McClay Library
May Day Opening
This year, for the first time, the McClay Library will be open for study access (no staffed services) on the May Day Public Holiday (Monday 6 May) from 9.00am until 9.00pm. As the holiday falls within the period of 24 hour opening described below, the Library will close on Monday morning 6 May at 2.00am, re-open 9.00am-9.00pm and then remain closed until 24 hour provision resumes at 8.00am on Tuesday 7 May.
24-hour Opening – Semester 2
24-hour opening for the summer examination period will re-commence on Sunday 21 April and run until 5.30pm on Saturday 1 June. During this period:
- The McClay Library will remain open overnight every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening.
- On Sundays the Library will open earlier than in previous years (i.e. 8.00am rather than 12.00 noon) and remain open all week until 2.00am on Saturday mornings. It will then re-open at 6.00am on Saturdays and close on Sunday mornings at 2.00am before re-opening at 8.00am.
- Only members with a valid Queen’s card will be admitted. Students who have forgotten their card will not be able to obtain a day-pass outside ‘normal’ staffed hours.
- Staff will carry out additional ID checks to prevent card misuse – please bear in mind that it is a disciplinary offence to let anyone else use your student card or credentials.
Summer Work Planned for the McClay Library
Plans are now well underway for the work required to substantially increase the number of reader seats and PC spaces in the McClay Library during summer 2013. Over 200 additional seats will be created on the ground floor by removing the office space to the south of the building and opening up the area between the atrium and Botanic Gardens for student use. The opportunity is also being taken to increase the size of the student lounge and toilets on the ground floor. While there will be some disruption over the summer months, this will be localised on the ground floor as much as possible and will be programmed carefully around the examination re-sit period. Other planned service improvements in the McClay Library during summer 2013 include enhancing performance of the wireless network and installation of an automatic book sorter which will improve book circulation. This work will begin in early June.
No Food in the Library
Food should not be eaten anywhere in the Library apart from the student lounge area on the ground floor. Especially at busy times of the year, food waste and packaging left on desks adds significantly to the cleaning effort required and is very unpleasant for your fellow students. You may take covered drinks anywhere in the building other than the Special Collections Reading Room.
Study Environment in the Library
This is just a reminder of the key points which are crucial to everyone’s comfort when the Library is particularly busy in this pre-examination period.
- Keep noise to a minimum - please respect the “silent” and “whisper” zones and behave appropriately in each.
- Place all waste in the bins provided.
- Do not leave your belongings to reserve a seat if you will be away for more than 30 minutes. If you plan to return, please leave a note on the desk indicating the time you left.
If you have any comments or queries on the content of this document or wish to comment on library services more generally, please e-mail: library@qub.ac.uk
