External facade
Ground floor entrance
Entrance to the Main Library and front facade
Interior Study Space and Helpdesk
Description
Description
Our goal in building our new library was to support our exceptional and ambitious students to become independent problem solvers and natural leaders; the new Library was envisioned as modern research led academic library underpinned by “best in class” service.
A mix of structured surveys, alongside digital and physical ethnography identified what students require, namely:
• A building that is welcoming, bright, modern, light and full of open spaces
• Excellent WIFI connectivity
• Improved book lending services
• Enhanced accessibility
• Ease of navigation
The new library has facilitated service transformation in line with Library strategy as our focus moves from:
• Physical to Virtual
• Undergraduate to Research
• Print to Digital
• Narrow to Broad
• Transactional to Value Added
The new library has enabled us to re-invent learning enhancement and research support activity, content management workflows and frontline service delivery. It provides us with a digital and physical model for library development for the future, regardless of location. Key features include:
• Dedicated Research Support team
• Dedicated researcher space
• Exhibition space to promote collections and University research outputs
• Dedicated maths support zone co-located with an academic support centre
• Full self-service functionality to support our expanding 24/7 offer
• Dynamic lending, to negate unnecessary transactional activity
Awards
Awarded BREEAM excellent status (design stage)for sustainability
Shortlisted for the SCONUL library design awards 2019
The Building
The Building
Type of library
Main library
Size
17,061 m2
Floors
-
Architect
Associated Architects LLP
Building contractor
-
The Space
The Space
Features and services
Special services
-
External features
-
Internal features
14 group study rooms catering for 100 students
4 booths each with 1 student PC for individual study
2 silent study rooms
2 rooms for researchers, catering for 76 researchers with lockers, social space and hot drinks vending
Media Room (audio listening, video watching and editing facilities) catering for 44 students
4 training rooms
6 1 to 1 appointment rooms
Cafe with 122 seats
Automated Book Sortation System (RFID)
Accessibility provision
-
Energy efficiency
Solar Control System East/South/West Facades
Active Façade Shading
BREEAM EXCELLENT & EPC A Rating
Very High U-Values (Derived from IES Thermal Model)
High Acoustic Performance
Interior designer
-
Furniture suppliers
-
Services and facilities suppliers
-
IT provision
-
Seats/study places
2,010
Stock
62,786 linear metres of shelving, open and closed access