Storm puts library out of action until Wednesday

High winds took part of the roof off the University of Teesside’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC) at the weekend and the building, which houses the library and computer work stations, will be out of action until Wednesday 12 January.

Estates personnel worked with University Health & Safety experts and contractors over the weekend and today (Monday 10 January) to secure the building in central Middlesbrough and make the main library facilities water-tight as more storms are predicted for later in the week.

Ian Butchart, Director of Library & Information Services, said he hoped the library facilities would re-open on Wednesday.

Repairs to the top floor, which houses the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, will take longer to repair and the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive has relocated to the Centre for Enterprise on the University campus, said Head of Estates, Denis Minchell.

Temporary alternative arrangements have been made to ensure that students are not penalised as a result of the closure or unduly affected by the on-going repair work.

After talks with the Students’ Union, it has been agreed to a seven day extension for all in-course assessments due to be submitted before the end of January.

Temporary alternative quiet study space has also been made available on the campus while the LRC is closed, including the opening of Centre House in Southfield Road, next to the Star & Garter, as a study area and drop-box facility for student assignments. The Staff Lounge in the Student Centre will also be made available to students in the evenings to study.

Students are also being advised to contact their own academic schools for other alternative study space while the repairs are carried out.

Mr Butchart said: “We are fortunate that the damage is restricted to the top floor and that none of the books or computers were damaged. Every possible effort is being made to reinstate facilities for our students.”

Fines will be waived on loans outstanding until the library re-opens, he added.

The LRC Assignment drop-box facility has been moved to Centre House. A drop-box is also available on the second floor of the Middlesbrough Tower as usual.

The Saltersgill Sports Ground is also out of action until further notice.

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