le.ac.uk

1. What makes a good university library building?Christine FyfePro-Vice-Chancellor & University Librarian www.le.ac.uk

2. The presentation • Overview of the project • Why we did what we did • How well has it worked? • Reflections

3. 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

4. What was it like before?

7. The site

8. Campus aerial view

10. The building programme • Three years in total – start on site May 2005, full completion April 2008 • Two years to build extension • Excavation of basement

13. 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

15. The finished library • Doubling of visitor numbers • Terrific feedback from students • Architectural and building awards • And this is what it looks like …

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

37. 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

38. 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

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42. Design features 3: Environment • BREEAM excellent • Natural ventilation • Re-use of materials • Lighting design • PVA array • Recycling

43. 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

44. What would we do differently? • Meets current needs • Compact shelving issues • Fire alarms

45. 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

46. Reflections • Clarity of vision based soundly on evidence • Listening to the customers and awareness of institutional culture • Attention to detail • No compromise on quality

47. “If I was to sum it up I would say it was ‘everything you need in a library’, simple as that.” (Law undergraduate)