The Bill Robertson library on Union St, shared by Dunedin
College of Education and Otago Polytechnic students. Photo
by Peter McIntosh.
A long-awaited upgrade for the Bill Robertson library in
Dunedin is a step closer.
The library, sited at the Dunedin College of Education
complex in Union St and used mainly by student teachers and
Otago Polytechnic students, was inherited by the University
of Otago when the college of education and the university
merged at the beginning of last year.
One of the sticking points with the merger was the continued
use of the library by two institutions and who would fund a
much-needed upgrade.
But those problems were solved by negotiations and a $6.25
million government grant to fund an upgrade and other college
of education building work.
The University of Otago has completed a feasibility study
into library upgrade options and is developing a capital
expenditure proposal.
The options were still being evaluated, university property
services director Barry MacKay said.
"Accordingly, it is too early in the process to say anything
meaningful about what the work would involve, what the
timeline would be, or how much it would cost."
However, polytechnic academic director Dr Robin Day, who is a
member of the joint library committee, said yesterday he was
encouraged by the progress.
"An upgrade is timely . . . It has been on and off the books
for many years."
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