News

More than half of the Central Library’s ground floor computer lab was forced out of commission during library hours after thousands of litres of water flooded the area prior to the Easter Break. A burst water pipe in the ceiling caused water to cascade from light fittings both in the Central Library and in the Link and caused some disruption to students who were still undergoing mid-semester assignments on Wednesday prior to the break.

The incident meant 68 (around half) of the computers in the central Library computer lab were listed as being offline, however, the entire lab was closed as a precaution. The area was subsequently cordoned off and dealt with by the Campus Watch Office because it was outside the core hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm, according to Central Services Manager Maureen Miller.

Miller indicated that in situations such as this, the Campus Watch Office has access to emergency contact numbers for trades staff and others who may be required to respond. “On this occasion a Property Services plumber and an electrician were called onsite to stop the water flow and to isolate the electrical systems in the area.” She indicated an external carpet cleaning contractor had been called to vacuum up the water and to provide air driers in order to dry the effected carpet and furniture as quickly as possible.

The flood spilled “approximately 3,000 to 4,000 litres of water into the ERA area on the ground floor of the Central Library.” The area had to be cordoned off while a clean up was undertaken and access to the computers and printers was withdrawn. “There was very little effect on the students as computers and printers were available in other Libraries around the system, and, due to the impending Easter break, occupancy in the building was very light.” Updates were given via Facebook as to the availability of alternative computers during the flood.

The cost of the clean up was not yet known as the relevant invoices had yet to come in, but it was expected to be “relatively low because the situation was contained quickly.” While computer access was restored by 9am the following morning, the multifunctional devices in the area, which are used for printing, copying and scanning, were not available until mid-morning of the Wednesday after Easter.