Arts and Social Sciences Library refurbishment 2008/09
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Project overview
In 2008/09 Information Services has completed a major refurbishment of the ground floor of the Arts and Social Sciences Library (ASSL). The new facilities are open to users from 2 February 2009.
This £2 million project forms part of a programme of improvements to branch libraries across the University. The Medical Library has also been redesigned this year. The Dental Library was refurbished in 2007.
The ASSL is the University's largest branch library, receiving over 450,000 visits and lending more than 475,000 items each year. It houses more than 600,000 books and 450,000 journals, and provides electronic access to thousands of online learning resources. It is also the home of many central library services.
We have made major improvements to the ground floor of the library based on user feedback and expert design advice. Our aim was to create a welcoming environment for visitors that provides exciting new facilities and a variety of learning spaces to accommodate their needs.
Learning spaces
- We have introduced newly-developed zoned learning areas that include social learning space and group learning facilities. Quiet learning space is retained on levels 1 and 2 of the library.
- At the front of the building a new glass wall and doors dramatically increase the natural light available. These open onto an 'in library' refreshments area serving good quality drinks and food. Contemporary furnishings, newspapers and on-screen information systems create a space where visitors can relax after studying in quieter zones of the library.
Learning technology
- We have modernised and upgraded the library's training room facilities and increased the provision of PCs. These are available at a variety of workstation types around the floor.
- An exciting new technology wall provides interactive white boards and big screens for group collaboration.
- Wireless access is available throughout, and there are many more power outlets for personal laptops.
Key services
- The library's issue desk, help desk and reception desk have been redesigned and relocated to maximise the use of space and improve access to service points.
- The Short Loan Collection has been redesigned to give users better accommodation in a new area of the library. (The main printed book and journal collections remain on the upper floors.)
- A new self-issue service improves the availability of loan items by allowing users to borrow books at any time while the library's doors are open.
- The library's assistive technology room for users with disabilities and specific learning difficulties has been rebuilt and and newly equipped. The services for disabled users, currently located in the Chemistry Library, Cantock's Close, will resume their place at the ASSL in the near future.
Images
Below are some images of the new look library (left) and how it was before the refurbishment (right).
Project management
To meet our requirements for the project we worked with architects and specialist design firm Nomad RDC, experts in interior design for public sector buildings. A simultaneous project to refurbish the Medical Library was completed following the same approach.
The project was overseen by a Design Team that met regularly to advise the project's architects and designers on the Library's requirements and made decisions on the detail of design options put forward.
Executive decisions about the project were made by the Library Capital Projects Board, chaired by Alison Allden, Deputy Registrar and Director of Information Services. The board includes representatives from academic staff, the Students' Union, University Estates Services and Information Services.
Throughout the refurbishment the library remained open to users. The majority of building work was undertaken within a six month period between June and December 2008. This was an ambitious timescale which included the Summer and Christmas vacations in order to minimise disruption as far as possible. We are grateful to the library's users for their patience and pleased to be able to welcome them to their new library.
Further information
For more information contact Mike Wall, Head of Library Development, or Cathryn Gallacher, Director of Library Services.