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Library's popularity

by Mrs Catherine Bishop, Head of Circulation Dept., Vuw

University Time passes swiftly; already to more than half the students the conception of a university library—their library —is a spacious, uncluttered pleasant building, with well-designed mahogany furniture and carpeted floors (well, not exactly carpet, but the New Zealand flax substitute, Brussella, not. luxurious, but quiet and warm).

Yet the new library is only just into its second year of effective life. Pre-1966 students will remember the delays, frustrations and makeshifts of 1965; even until March this year the Circulation Department looked as though it were camping on the main floor. Now at last the handsome new desk is installed and the worst growing pains are over. On July 5, the Rankine Browne building is to be officially opened. The ceremony will be held in the library and at the same time, honorary degrees will be conferred on Mr H. G. Miller, the former Librarian, and on the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. K. Holyoake.

What does the new library mean, What will it mean, in retrospect, to the students who swarm into its comfortable, informal and welcoming areas?

For those who remember, it is a complete break from the old traditional university library, with more than half the stock in closed stacks with its one large reading room, its long tables and hard chairs, its pervasive smell of dust, silver-fish and stale air. Elbow to elbow it could accommodate less than 200 students. The new library can accommodate nearly 1000 readers.

Something of the changes can be measured in statistics; in the increased demand for books and periodicals, in the number of readers who use the comfortable chairs and reading tables, in the growing need for information and service. On this level this year's figures are impressive. Rather to our surprise issue figures for books did not rise in 1965. This was due we decided, to the increasing number of books read in the library, for longer hours, by more students. Perhaps, also the still unfinished building, the sounds of hammering and welding which punctuated one's thoughts from time to time discouraged some borrowers.

This year shows a sudden and marked increase all round. In March-April, 1966, the issue of books increased by 25 per cent (8500 per month to 11,000). Another 6000 books were used each month within the library. Issues of reserved periodicals rose steeply by a remarkable 300 per cent. The emphasis on up-to-date periodical articles is also reflected in the heavy use of the Xerox copying service. 3798 pages were reproduced during March-April this year for student use.

The request service supplied 3000 urgently needed books in the first term, against a total of 4500 for the whole of last year.

Checks taken daily show, even at a relatively early stage of the year. 400-500 students studying during morning or afternoon on any week day. Most of the other Spaces at the tables are occupied by books; and papers, if not by their owners, who have, gone off to a lecture or a coffee break.

Pressure on seating may well mean that this kind of "parking" will have to be curtailed. Sunday afternoons are popular, attracting 100-200 students even in the first term. During the second and third terms the library is open also on Saturday afternoons 1-5.30pm.

But statistics are not the whole story. In the demeanour of the students, absorbed in study, relaxed in the pleasant easy chairs, or seeking information and advice from the library staff, is an air of purpose, confidence and achievement, an attitude of friendliness and courtesy. When the final examinations are over, and the need for that precious book, that invaluable periodical article has lost its urgency, we hope that this is the concept of the library that you will take with you into the world outside the university— a source of knowledge in an attractive setting, informal and welcoming. It is worthwhile, sometimes, to take time from study to enjoy the magnificent view, rivalled by few universities in the world. Look also at the lovely little bronze near the reference room, and while you are there turn south towards Woollaston's painting, "Landscape With Fire" which has never looked as well as in this setting. The library makes a fitting background for the fine collection of New Zealand paintings, pottery and sculpture which a committee of the Council selects and purchases for the university.