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

What was it like before?

• The site

Campus aerial view

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

www.le.ac.uk

www.le.ac.uk

www.le.ac.uk

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

What would we do differently?

• Meets current needs• Compact shelving issues• Fire alarms

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)