Buried in the prime minister’s Tuesday night announcement was a ban on libraries opening

But he did he mean university libraries? UTS, Uni Sydney, Macquarie U and La Trobe U appear to think so, announcing last night their physical libraries were going dark.

However, the University of Wollongong argues, “unlike community libraries, which are widely used as gathering spaces, university libraries are considered critical infrastructure supporting research and education. UOW Libraries will remain open, with appropriate social distancing arrangements implemented in library workplaces and visitor areas.”

“As well as visiting students and academics, library staff will continue to have access to the building so they can continue their essential work supporting faculties as they prepare for remote course delivery and supporting students’ learning needs.