Great news: Your improved study spaces
Refurbished, refreshing and relaxing changes to your Libraries
The Libraries were visited over 2 million times this year, meaning your study spaces get used. A lot.
That makes it our mission to ensure your spaces are as comfortable, useful and tidy as possible. Here’s what we’re working on.
Health Sciences refurb
Work is underway on the major refurbishment of the Health Sciences Library group work area. After consulting with students and staff, the new space will use natural light and vibrant design, with plenty of calming greenery, to become a welcoming and inclusive hub for all.
This refreshed environment, encouraging collaboration and group study, is due to be ready in spring. We can’t wait to see you there.
Docking stations
After a successful trial period in the Brotherton Library, we have also rolled out docking stations to Edward Boyle and Laidlaw Libraries.
These stations mean you can temporarily upgrade your laptops to have a mouse and separate keyboard for comfort, and multiple screens to deal with work twice as effectively.
Low sensory space
We are also working on a low sensory space to help users who can find the libraries a little overwhelming.
Using feedback from neurodivergent users, we’re planning a quieter space with less furniture and clutter with milder lighting to create a calmer and more accessible study space experience.
Interview room
There is a new online meeting room on the ground floor of EBL.
This dedicated space is kitted out for any online meeting, including job interviews. That means you don’t have to rely on your old laptop webcam and can have a more professional-looking background than your bedroom.
Keeping it clean
With so many visitors, keeping on top of the cleaning can be tough. We instituted a new rolling program to re-upholster the sofas, booths and armchairs across the library sites to keep them fresh, clean and comfy. We’re also steam-cleaning stains and spills from food and drink to keep your revision spaces rejuvenated.
We’ll be making more changes over the next year. If you want your say, be sure to leave us feedback at reception, on whiteboards during exams and join our Libraries Advisory Panel.
