Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council Libraries is continually improving to better meet the needs and changing preferences of our communities.
With increasing numbers of Aucklanders accessing research and heritage resources and expertise online, Auckland Council Libraries is changing the face-to-face research services in our libraries.
“The number of people using in-person support at our Research Centres has been declining for several years,” says Mirla Edmundson, General Manager of Connected Communities.
“As a result, we are reducing the locations and opening hours of in-person desk services in keeping with the council’s Annual Budget 2023/2024. This will enable us to manage our collections more effectively and deliver an improved customer experience.”
From 30 September, Auckland Council Libraries will focus on providing ongoing in-person research services at two locations – Research Central (Central City Library) and Research South (Manukau Library) – as well as increasing community outreach and online research support.
“We are expanding our ability to connect you with a specialist librarian over the phone, by email or through a video conference call, using Microsoft Teams or Zoom. This will enable us to support anyone who cannot visit a library,” says Mirla.
Our specialist staff are available to help you using these options:
The Special Collections Reading Room at Central City Library will move to an appointment-only service. Our popular exhibitions in the gallery will continue to be available to view from Monday to Saturday.
The research service desks at Research West (Level 2, Waitākere Central Library) and Research North (Level 1, Takapuna Library) will close. Some research collections held at these libraries require an appointment with a specialist librarian. Email our team at libraryresearch@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to book a time that suits you.
Other reference collections at Takapuna and Waitākere Central libraries, as well as the microfiche and CDROMs, will still be available to use freely without an appointment, and our library staff are always there to help.
To visit our Research Centres and the Central City Special Collections Reading Room from 30 September, please check our operating hours below:
Research Central (Level 2, Central City Library) opening hours
Monday to Friday, 10am – 6pm
Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Sunday – Closed.
Special Collections Reading Room (Level 2, Central City Library) opening hours
Monday and Tuesday – Closed.
Wednesday – Friday, 12pm – 5pm (Appointments only)
Saturday – 10am – 5pm (Appointments only)
Sunday – Closed.
Visitors to Central City Library can get in-person assistance from staff at the Research Central desk from Monday to Saturday.
Research South (Level 2, Manukau Library) opening hours
Monday – Friday, 12noon – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed.
