Forward plan 2028

We will create sustainable, inclusive and resilient physical and digital environments. We will improve our buildings and study spaces, protect our collections and strengthen the systems that support reliable access to services and resources.

Objective 9: Maintain and improve our buildings infrastructure sustainably.

KR 1. Implement smart campus technology, including turnstiles, so that we have information on occupancy across all library buildings to inform how we prioritise service development.

KR 2. Upgrade CCTV to replace remaining outdated technology, to improve security for our community.

KR 3. Map and plan refresh cycles for infrastructure, fabric, furnishings and equipment, to inform robust financial planning and allow delivery of sustainable high-quality user experience.

KR 4. Execute targeted remedial works and improvements to building fabric in Laidlaw Library to enhance the quality, availability and sustainability of library spaces.

Objective 10: Develop inclusive, flexible library spaces that support evolving study needs and enhance student experience.

KR 1. Deliver an art scheme for the Edward Boyle Library to improve the study environment for students, researchers and staff.

KR 2. Create a family space so that students with children have a safe and welcoming place to work.

KR 3. Work with partners to create a Welcome Hub in the Health Sciences Library, so that students have a more visible and accessible place to go for student services support in the Worsley Building.

KR 4. Increase the provision of power and charging sockets in Brotherton West Building, Main 3, Main 4 and Art Gallery, to support the use of devices in more study spaces.

KR 5. Deliver a digital academic skills space, to support podcasting and multimedia teaching activity.

Objective 11: Ensure the long-term sustainability of our physical collections through effective infrastructure and strategic storage management.

KR 1. Present a business plan for an institutional storage facility to provide long-term storage for our growing collections.

KR 2. Establish the feasibility of developing a more accessible cultural collections hub facility on campus (combining conservation, digitisation and galleries spaces) to support the University’s cultural offer.

KR 3. Adopt an interim solution for collections storage, so that collections can continue to grow in support of research and learning.

KR 4. Develop and implement a stock editing programme for main collections, including defined criteria for non-English language materials, to make more efficient use of space for growing collections.

KR 5. Improve environmental monitoring for all physical research collections so they are protected for future scholars.

KR 6. Review and update all agreements for deposited cultural collections materials so that the University has clear responsibilities and agreements with depositors.

Objective 12: Embed sustainability, security and resilience across library digital services to ensure robust, reliable platforms and service continuity.

KR 1. Establish a critical incident response plan for library digital services and prioritise actions to reduce risk to service continuity.

KR 2. Implement a user-friendly digital preservation system supported by clear, consistent processes, policies and governance, to provide secure and sustainable access to born-digital and digitised content.

KR 3. Clarify what long term e-book access we have with our suppliers and establish and implement a plan to secure long term e-book provision for future scholars.