----------------------------Original message---------------------------- (This message has been crossposted to a number of discussion lists. Please excuse any duplication.) RESEARCH CENTRE REFURBISHMENT: Reading Room Closure (Notice 3) 'we are out to make our war museum, our war gallery, and our war library, if possible, not merely fine museums for Australia, but the finest that the world contains...' -C.E.W. Bean The Australian War Memorial has embarked on a program of renewal of its galleries and facilities over the next decade. As part of this process, the Memorial's Research Centre will undergo refurbishment. The result will be an improved, more readily accessible Research Centre offering a higher standard of service. In order to complete the necessary work, the current Research Centre Reading Room will be closed from 25 March 1998 and will reopen by the end of October 1998. While the Reading Room is closed there will be no access to collections. The Memorial's telephone, fax, letter and email reference services and the commercial sound, film and photograph service will continue to operate. The information supplied may be limited and response times longer than identified in the current service standards. Information available on the AWM homepage (www.adfa.oz.au/~awm) will enable visitors to plan their visit when the Research Centre reopens. To comply with the building program it is necessary to begin moving collections offsite during December 1997. Some disruptions to client services will continue until the closure of the Reading Room in March 1998. During this period it is advisable to call the Research Centre before visiting to determine whether the collections that you require are available. If you have any enquiries regarding the records available over the coming months and during the refurbishment please contact: Ms Elizabeth Dracoulis Manager, Research Centre, phone (02) 6243 4250 or e-mail [log in to unmask] If you require further information on the Research Centre project please contact: Ms Margaret Thomson Gallery Development Section, phone (02) 6243 4556 or e-mail [log in to unmask] Postal address for enquiries: Australian War Memorial, GPO Box 345, Canberra, ACT 2601 You can also e-mail general comments and questions to the Memorial on: [log in to unmask]