We have recently begun an ambitious five-year Collections Project , re-profiling Library collections to better meet our users’ current and future needs, and address space shortages. It includes the acquisition of an off-campus store and the ultimate closure of our Bulmershe Library site, besides revision of much of our existing stock.

Our latest Acquisitions Manager, Kate Devaney has been in post for nearly a year now, developing the specialist knowledge and expertise acquired as the former incumbent’s deputy. Pat Hanby, our former Acquisitions Manager, retired in March 2008 after over 40 years service and not a single day’s sick leave. In this role she was always an approachable, humorous and helpful colleague and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of our Library’s collections.

Our recently refurbished Main Library Ground Floor continues to be very popular with our customers. Footfall over the 2007-2008 session increased 40% on the previous session. We now have a variety of popular working environments including group and silent study rooms, the informal Knowledge Exchange, and expanded Course Collection and a café, all within an enhanced and enlivened architectural environment.

We were re-assessed and re-accredited with the Investor in People standard in June 2008. Read more at: www.reading.ac.uk/library/about-us/policies/lib-iip.asp.

Rachel Redrup

Marketing Co-ordinator
University of Reading Library

Content of M25 e-bulletin Spring 2009 Edition