Exciting plans to redevelop the University Library
Over the last few months, various rumours have been circulating within the University ranging from the good (the Library is going to be extended and re-developed) to the bad (the Library will have to close for a year, what are we going to do?). So, in order to forestall any more vague or untrue stories floating around, it might be useful to outline current proposals for redeveloping the University Library.
It will come as no surprise to seasoned Library users that the University Library, originally designed in the 1960s, is no longer fit for purpose. Built for a student population of 3,000, it now has to cater for almost 8,000 and, in common with all 1970s era buildings, is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Changes in teaching and learning styles over the years have also lead to a demand for more IT equipped group study facilities, better research facilities and a more environmentally friendly building. There is also the inescapable fact that the building is too small; the book stacks are full (and yes, despite the advances in electronic publishing, we are still purchasing about 16,000 new books each year) and the Library staff working areas are Dickensian. All in all, the Library is tired, shabby and indeed no longer fit for purpose!
So, what are we planning to do?
During the summer of 2006 it became evident that the Library would have to undergo significant work to correct building deficiencies and to bring it up to a standard required by students and researchers. A Library Review Group chaired by the Master was established and during the intervening months we have examined a number of options for redeveloping the Library. The current proposal involves the following elements:
- Constructing a Library Store on the North Haugh which will allow less well used materials (primarily journal back-runs) to be relegated. Store materials can be requested and returned to the Library within 24 hours or (if journal articles) digitised and e-mailed to the end user. The Library Store is scheduled for completion by Spring 2008.
- Constructing a 3,500 sq m four-storey extension at the rear of the Library extending out towards the Scores. Work should commence in January 2009 and will provide additional study spaces, a variety of study environments, more computers, additional lifts and toilets and an environmentally sustainable building.
- In parallel with the construction of the new extension, the existing Library building would undergo a phased redevelopment including improvements such as new lighting, windows, carpets and furniture, better toilet facilities and the provision of small bookable group study facilities.
- Special Collections would also be relocated from Level 1 to Level 4. Enhanced research facilities will be provided in the new Special Collections Reading Room which will overlook St Andrews Bay. In addition, the majority of the Special Collections holdings of manuscripts, rare books and University archives will be rehoused in new secure and environmentally controlled conditions. The bulk of the Reference Collection, currently on Level 2, will be relocated to the vicinity of the new Special Collections Reading Room.
Proposed extension to the University Library: east elevation
- A new entrance to the Library complex will be provided at the joining point of the old and new buildings and the current ‘glasshouse’ entrance will be removed.
- The current plans also include a proposal to convert part of the Crawford Building into a ‘Learning Café’ which would provide some social learning spaces complete with computers and meet an often expressed student request for a Library café.
- Extensive landscaping will create two new University quadrangles – one between the Library, Butts Wynd and the rear of 79 North Street, and the other to the rear of the new Library extension and the Arts Building.
Plan of proposed extension to the University Library
These are exciting times for the Library and colleagues from IT Services, the Mail Room and Museum Collections who share the existing Library building. At last, we can plan a University Library that meets the disparate library and information needs of undergraduate, postgraduate and academic staff community, building on existing strengths and incorporating best practice from contemporary library design.
Over the next few weeks there will be a series of consultations involving a number of focus groups comprising academic staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students together with researchers and staff who work in the Library. This will be an opportunity to explore current plans and seek comments.
We must emphasise that the Library will remain open at all times throughout the redevelopment process.
Please contact Jon Purcell, Director of Library Services, if you would like any additional information.
A piece of history: the original 1971 plans for the University Library and proposed extensions:
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