Library West update
I've just learned that thirty of the books that I need to study for my quals are unavailable through the library. Let me rephrase that: although the library owns the books in question, and although the brand-new library has recently opened, and although I can see the shelves where the books are, I can't-- nor can any library staff member-- actually touch the books. Here's what the Assistant Chair of Access Services had to say:
"...the plastic sheets that the contractors have placed over the area prevent us from moving the shelving to access those materials; also, the power to that area is scheduled to be shut off this week. At this point, your best option is to request the materials through Interlibrary Loan."
While the library was under construction, books were inaccessible for browsing but you could still get a hold of them by requesting that they be pulled from storage. Now, it seems, even that option is gone. I can't help but wonder: why move all of those books into the new building, only to render them completely inaccessible? Why not keep them in storage until the f@#$ing Starbucks construction is completed? (Incidentally, why we need a Starbucks in the library is beyond me, considering that there's a Starbucks a mere half block from the library.) So now I'm off to compile a list of the books I need so that I can send off a pleading email to the other history grads to see if they have any of them.