A strategic vision for library and learning spaces

The news release says: 'Built in 1974, the Cameron Smail Library was a state-of-the-art development and has served as a model for many other academic libraries in Scotland over the years.

'Forty years on, a building designed primarily for the storage and circulation of paper-based resources is now experiencing very different demands – it is now expected to be a 24×7 study centre, a technology-enhanced learning facility, an advice and teaching hub, a café and social space, while also housing the staff who efficiently run it.

'Our customers' needs have changed dramatically - in 2013-2014 there were an average of seven book loans per full time student, compared with 130 electronic journal article downloads and 51 e-Book section requests.'

Information Services has put its observations and aspirations together with academic space consultants Realm-ISD, Heriot-Watt Student Union, academic colleagues and Campus Services to prepare a strategic vision for the 21st century library and learning spaces the University requires at the Edinburgh Campus. The summary report can be accessed via the link on the right of this page.