Following the September 2010 earthquake and the closure of a number of campus libraries, library staff at the University of Canterbury was forced to rethink how they connected with their users. The established virtual reference service now meant library staff could be contacted regardless of their physical location. After the February earthquake, with University library closures ranging from 3 weeks to indefinite, this service came into its own as a vital communication tool. It facilitated contact between the library and both students and academics, as well as proving invaluable as a means for library staff to locate and communicate with each other. Transcripts from our post-earthquake interactions with users were analyzed using NVivo and will be presented in poster format showing the increase in usage of the service following the earthquakes, who used the service most, and the numbers and types of questions received. Our virtual reference tool was well used in the difficult post-earthquake periods and we can see this usage continuing as university life returns to normal.
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Books on the floor of the Sumner Library, seen through the front window".
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "Books on the floor of the Sumner Library, seen through the front window".
Photograph captioned by BeckerFraserPhotos, "The new Sumner Library. The library is currently closed and awaiting an engineering report".
Photos taken of the Mobile Library on March 31, 2011 following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-03-31-Mobile-After-The-Earthquake-NB Parkland 021 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries
Photos taken in New Brighton on March 31 following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-03-25-New Brighton-After-The-Earthquake-NB Parkland 001 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries
Photos taken of the Mobile Library on March 31, 2011 following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-03-31-Mobile-After-The-Earthquake-NB Parkland 023 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries
Photos taken in New Brighton on March 31 following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-03-25-New Brighton-After-The-Earthquake-NB Parkland 003 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries
Photos taken in New Brighton on March 31 following the February 22 earthquake. File reference: CCL-2011-03-25-New Brighton-After-The-Earthquake-NB Parkland 007 From the collection of Christchurch City Libraries
University of Canterbury staff members are escorted by Civil Defence members in order to retrieve essential items from their offices. The photographer comments, "E-learning team collect their stuff".
The University of Canterbury's E-Learning team's temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. More offices".
A member of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team in their new office in the James Hight building.
The University of Canterbury's E-Learning team's temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "Yet another change of workplace for our E-Learning group, as the University juggles people and buildings to carry out earthquake repairs. My desk".
A crack in a wall of the University of Canterbury Electronic Learning Media team's offices. The photographer comments, "Cracks in the Project Office walls".
A member of the University of Canterbury's Digital Media Group in their temporary office in the NZi3 Building.
The University of Canterbury's E-Learning team's temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. Getting sorted. Most gear in place, still making adjustments".
The University of Canterbury's E-Learning team's temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. House bar. This reception desk is not used now. A small kitchen is at the right".
Jess Hollis, a member of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team in their temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "Yet another change of workplace for our E-Learning group, as the University juggles people and buildings to carry out earthquake repairs. My desk with Jess behind".
A member of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team in their new office in the James Hight building.
Members of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team Susan Tull and Nick Ford in their temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "Yet another change of workplace for our E-Learning group, as the University juggles people and buildings to carry out earthquake repairs. Susan and Nick settle in".
Workers repairing the James Hight building at the University of Canterbury, seen from inside the library. The photographer comments, "Yet another change of workplace for our E-Learning group, as the University juggles people and buildings to carry out earthquake repairs. Our area looks over a central roof space that has seating areas. It may be a while before we're allowed out there though".
The University of Canterbury's E-Learning team's temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. This bench will disappear".
The University of Canterbury's E-Learning team's temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. Foyer lifts etc. Female toilets are off the foyer to the left. These lifts start at Level 2 of the Library, and are heavily used by students. (Once the building is repaired after the earthquake; several floors are still in a mess)".
Members of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team Jess Hollis, Paul Nicholls, Lei Zhang, and Susan Tull in their temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. Moving day - collecting new keys. Lei, Paul, Susan, Jess".
A crack in a wall of the University of Canterbury Electronic Learning Media team's offices.
Members of the University of Canterbury's Digital Media Group in their temporary office in the NZi3 Building.
Damage to the former Canterbury Public Library.
The University of Canterbury's E-Learning team's temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. Reception. This is where students used to come to enquire about support services".
The University of Canterbury's E-Learning team's temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. Common area. More offices run along the north wall at the left. Through the doors are the male toilets and a stair well".
Members of the University of Canterbury's E-Learning team in their temporary office in the James Hight building. The photographer comments, "First looks at our new temporary (maybe) office space. Our group will stay here until April or May 2011, then will move to another floor in the Central Library. First briefing. Warren Marett, an acting manager from Deloittes (with tie), discusses our move with Electronic Learning Media staff; Alan Hoskin, Antoine Monti, Herbert Thomas, Paul Nicholls, and Jess Hollis".