I don't know if there is thread for the new library on here but here goes anyway.
I've made a few visits now to do my family research at the new library and apart from being a nice new building, it doesn't really offer much more to family historians than the the old floor 6 in the old library.
Yes, there are fantastic new film readers and it's open on Sundays -very much appreciated, but this could have been done at the old library at a fraction of the 180 something million they have spent on the new building.
It is now no longer possible to view material that was always available on floor 6, even some of the maps that were readily available are now locked away waiting for a formal request to see them - unfortunately not today, you'll have to fill in this form and return another day and make sure you request every thing you want, as any material you haven't put on the request form may or may not be accessed.
The floor space is now half the size of the old floor 6, resulting in many of the books not on open shelves as was the case on floor 6, I'm petty sure that a lot of books are stored in some archive in the library again not readily available.
I'm not just moaning for the sake of it but expected something better for family historians, I just expected more.
At least they've kept some of the staff, friendly and knowledgeable as ever, good to see some old faces.
Is just me turning into a moaning old git, or has anyone else been disappointed in the new library
Phill