Refurbishing the Hargrave-Andrew Library
Implementation
of the library's Facilities Master Plan - a set of guidelines
for the refurbishment of all branches - commenced in 2004 with the of
refurbishment of the Hargrave-Andrew Library (due for completion
2005).
With the
construction of a new entrance for the library and courtyard, a new
destination will be established for the Clayton Campus incorporating
HG Café and the library, with casual seating both for the café and as
a meeting place for students.
Inside the
library, the plan has seen the installation of new workstations and
seating. The selected workstations were assessed for ergonomic design,
flexibility to incorporate information technology needs and a durable
and aesthetic construction.
Completion of
the refurbishment will see an appealing, well-zoned library with
logical layout of collections, new copy/print zones and flexible
environments that cater to the varying needs of users.
Undertaking planning to refurbish the Sir Louis Matheson Library
Planning and
tendering commenced for the appointment of architects to design the
refurbishment works for the Matheson Library. The design and
documentation phase should be completed during 2005 with approval
being sought for construction in late 2005 and continuing until late
2007.
Upgrading library buildings
The library has
also invested substantially in upgrading seating throughout all its
buildings. 2004 saw the replacement of over 2000 chairs which included
ergonomic chairs for all computer and individual workstations, task
chairs for group study and several styles of casual lounge chairs.
This program will continue over the next few years.
Other
significant projects included:
- refurbishment of all
toilets in the Matheson Library;
- extension of the Library
IT Training Room at Peninsula Library;
- new furniture to upgrade
and increase the seating capacity on Level 3 of the Caulfield Library;
- refurbishment of the
Level 4 Meeting Room at Caulfield;
- installation of new storage for microform and video/CD
collections within the Matheson Library; and
- upgrading of book handling equipment and area at the
Gippsland Library.
Improving access to microforms
Access to the library's significant research
microfilm and fiche collections was improved with the installation of
digital microscanners for the Matheson, Caulfield, Gippsland, Law and
Hargrave- Andrew libraries. These new state of the art scanners can
scan fiche and film, enabling users to save image files, send files to
their email accounts, and print to networked printers. Response from
library users has been extremely positive, with staff providing
initial training and help sheets for troubleshooting, especially in
the early stages of the implementation.
Providing a secure and safe environment
Ensuring safety procedures are in place
Plans for security equipment upgrade of alarms
and video surveillance have been completed as part of the Hargrave-Andrew
Library refurbishment project. The layout of shelving and furniture in
this building will also open up areas and include good lighting
to provide a safe and secure environment.
The library continues to ensure that all branches
and divisions have staff trained in first aid and occupational health
and safety issues. Section managers under the guidance of the
library's Facilities and Services Manager, continued to routinely
arrange inspections of individual work space to ensure staff safety
Providing facilities for people with
special needs
Contributing to the Monash University Inclusive
Practices Plan
In 2004 the
library contributed to the drafting of an Inclusive Practices Plan
that provides direction and assistance in the provision of services to
people with special needs.
Through the year
all branches had tactile floor guides installed at entrances and key
service points.
The library
continued to liaise with the University Disability Liaison Unit and,
in conjunction with Information Technology Services, monitored new
computer software to ensure library computers offer the appropriate up
to date software. |
