Lorna Smith from Newcastle University gave an insightful talk about several projects taking place this year to increase space in their libraries.
One project taking place this summer in the Philip Robinson Library is the ‘Barn’ conversion on Level 2. When the Library was built in 1982 and extended in 1996, it was built as a flexible space which means that internal walls can be knocked down. The Barn will be transformed into a collaborative study space accommodating up to 40 people.
Project 2 involves creating a new Academic Skills Hub. Currently the offices aren’t big enough for 1-2-1s and they aren’t fit for purpose. Meeting rooms will replace offices which will afford more privacy and the area will be more visible and brighter with improved signage.
Project 3 is taking place on the third floor of the Marjorie Robinson Library where the furniture will be replaced to create more collaborative study spaces. This was following UX feedback from students who wanted more covered booth seating (similar to a pod but with a canopy).
The furniture that is going to be used in this space is on trial for a year so students can give feedback on the type of furniture by using QR codes. The new plan for the area shows there will be less sofas and more study spaces.
In the Walton Library, which is the faculty library for Medical Sciences, many books from the Student Text Collection are being removed to accommodate more study spaces.
And who knew that there is a storage area in the bridge over a road! This will have improved lighting over the summer.
Review by Liz Peet | Manchester Metropolitan University
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