Department of Library Services Newsletter - Issue 3 - 2023
01 September 2023
This newsletter is intended to convey the events and news of the Department of Library Services. Enquiries can be directed to Mrs. Elsabé Olivier (email: [email protected])
News and Events
The Merensky 1 & 2 Building Fire-Rational Upgrade Project
The Merensky 2 Library is currently undergoing a fire-rational upgrade to ensure compliance with the latest health and safety fire regulations.
This is also in line with the Department of Library Services (DLS) objective of providing safe and compliant spaces for our staff and students.
While this upgrade is essential, we understand that it comes with many inconveniences. These include, but are not limited to: loss of seating capacity, decreased access to computers and services, and a change in the way our students are used to accessing the different library sections. The library's operating hours may also be affected from time to time. Noise and dust are unfortunately also more present due to the project.
The 24-hour Study Centre will be fully accessible throughout the construction period, and our comprehensive virtual services are listed on the website. We also encourage our staff and students to make use of other DLS facilities and university spaces during the construction period.
The project involves:
• Changing all the access doors and walls along the main staircases to make them more fire-compliant.
• Installation of fire curtains on the main atrium (levels 5 & 6).
• Installation of fire-compliant doors on the emergency staircases.
• Building refuge areas.
• Installation of actuators.
• Building emergency staircases on the outside of the building (Western Side).
To continue engagement with our students and staff, the Marketing & Quality Assurance Unit of the DLS has created a fun and creative art wall initiative. This initiative is aimed at encouraging students and staff to write messages and draw on the construction partition walls. We encourage our students and staff to take advantage of this opportunity to unleash their creative potential.
We apologize unreservedly for any inconvenience caused and would like to thank you for your patience and tolerance during the construction period. As we navigate through the disruptions and problems, let us keep the end in mind: a safe and compliant library space. The construction is expected to run from July 7 to October 31, 2023. We will keep you informed of any changes.
I conclude with the quote from one of the writings on the wall: "If not now, then when?" These words from a singer-songwriter best sum up the situation that we are currently facing; there can be no better time than the present to execute the project.
