When I first went into the library after the refurb, I had the same reaction as most people here seem to have had - "Blimey - where are all the books?"

However, having been back a couple of times, I have to say, I think my inital impression may have been down to the fact they have rearranged the layout of the shelves. For instance, a fair number of the books for borrowing have been moved to what used to be the 'reference only' section, and that seems to have freed up space in the main area which was previously crowded with shelves. So perhaps it would be fairer to have thought 'Blimey - where are all the bookshelves?' I think having the extra space makes it easier to move around the library when looking for things, which is an improvement.

Also, I have to say, even if there actually are that many fewer books, they seem have more variety than before, which makes me more inclined to stop in and see what they have around, because it is more interesting now - maybe the priority has changed to quality of selection rather than quantity? And as for being told to order them in, well, that used to happen to me quite a bit anyway, and it is now much easier and quicker.