They have voted to reject management demands for them to return to work, and will not operate library premises reserved for researchers.

The late President Francois Mitterrand's $1.5bn project has been the subject of bitter complaints from those who have to work there.

The librarians complain that the new computer system crashes, loses track of books, and even prevents readers from leaving the building. Staff say they have been given insufficient training to make the new building function.

Their strike has closed down facilities for up to 2,000 academics and researchers.

Strangled in its infancy

The management says the worst of the computer problems are being resolved and reject staff demands for reduced opening hours.

The new national library opened its doors to academics and researchers a little over three weeks ago, and closed them just 11 days later when staff went on strike.