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Transcript of le.ac.uk
What makes a good university library building?
Christine FyfePro-Vice-Chancellor & University Librarian
www.le.ac.uk
The presentation
• Overview of the project• Why we did what we did• How well has it worked?• Reflections
Overview of the project
• £32m extension and refurbishment of the mid 1970s building to create a contemporary, welcoming, inspirational and adaptable library
• Doubling in size to 15,500 sq m• Sensitive to the needs of a wide range
of users• Technology-rich combined and space for
reflection and contemplation
The building programme
• Three years in total – start on site May 2005, full completion April 2008
• Two years to build extension– Excavation of basement
Decant period
• After extension was complete, entire library was moved into it while the 1970s building was remodelled
• We didn’t close!• Books were available throughout
unless actually on a trolley
The finished library
• Doubling of visitor numbers• Terrific feedback from students• Architectural and building awards
• And this is what it looks like …
Why we did what we did
• Knowing your customers– Formal and informal surveys– Staff student committees– Presentations at all opportunities– Project team
• Learning from other projects• Striving for clarity
What did they want?
• Appropriate heating and ventilation• Designated noisy and quiet areas• Natural light• A clear, self-explanatory layout• A comfortable, informal seating area• A spacious feel
What did they want – paired comparisons?• Open 24 hours• Places to plug in your own laptop• Self issue and return of books
• Much less important – vending, machines, shop and cafe
Postgraduates – informal survey
• Existing Library has an undergraduate feel – strong support for a PG area
• Both informal and formal areas• Social aspects• Plans “meticulous and brilliant”• Pleased to be asked
Design principles - 1
• A single seamless space• Modern, light, welcoming, sophisticated
ambience with a ‘sense of place’• Vistas and visual interest & intimate
spaces• Capable of standing the test of time;
adaptable• Generosity of space• Logical layout and easy navigation
Design principles - 2
• Design that encourages appropriate behaviours and independence
• Zoning – quiet/noisy; formal/informal• Appropriate space for a range of
activities• Blending of digital and print • Acoustics• Technology – wifi etc
Design features 1: Safety & security• Late hours, 24/7• Security patrol points• Secure entry• Attention to detail: eg windows in
photocopying rooms• Location & management of lockers• PA system
Design features 2:Staff accommodation• Consultation• To the same finish quality as the
public areas• Attention to work flows• Meeting space• De-clutter• Office etiquette
Design features 3: Environment
• BREEAM excellent• Natural ventilation• Re-use of materials• Lighting design• PVA array• Recycling
How well has it worked?
• Visitor numbers doubled• Very positive feedback from students • Reduced need for guiding – seems to
be intuitive• Less stress for staff
Reflections
• New space demands a review of service delivery and staff roles
• The hardest thing to articulate and communicate is the ambience
• Importance of working well with the Estates team, architects and other professionals
• What works well for users with disabilities works well for everyone
Reflections
• Clarity of vision based soundly on evidence
• Listening to the customers and awareness of institutional culture
• Attention to detail• No compromise on quality
“If I was to sum it up I would say it was ‘everything you need in a library’, simple as that.” (Law undergraduate)