You said, we did: Recent improvement to your Libraries
Skills, support and space – this year we gave you more, more, more!
We’ve made some huge changes to the Libraries in the last year. All these improvements have grown out of feedback from you: through surveys, feedback forms or our social media channels. Here are just a few ways we’ve turned your requests into library resources!
Library Innovation Competition
This year, we ran our first-ever Library Innovation Competition, which not only allowed us to find out what you want from your Libraries, but also gave student innovators the chance to turn their ideas into reality with guidance, mentorship and funding from the Libraries.
A winner has been chosen, so keep your eyes peeled for more student-led changes to your libraries and information on how you can prepare for next year's competition.
Reading for leisure
We vastly increased our reading for leisure catalogue. We added even more titles to the EBL Pause Space, with cosy crime, romantasy and fan favourites joining books on wellbeing, self-care and crafting.
We’ve also increased the number of titles available online, including huge additions to Libby, our reading for leisure collection and over 2,500 comic and graphic novels.
And just like everyone else, we needed to know what was going on between Shane and Ilya, so we bought books, ebooks and audio versions of Heated Rivalry. So, you can impress all your friends who are just watching the TV show.
The Skills Space
The Skills@Library support had a huge change this year. We brought all our support under one roof in the Laidlaw Library. Your writing, digital capabilities, maths and stats drop-ins and one-to-one sessions are now in a brand new, inclusive, comfortable and kitted-out space.
The Writing Space
The Writing Space has been a core part of the library experience for three years, helping hundreds of students to sharpen their academic writing skills. And we plan to help a hundred more. That’s why we increased the number of student learning advisors this year, meaning you have access to even more peer-to-peer advice, support and insight.
HSL space
At the start of the academic year, we opened the new group study space in the Health Sciences Library. The new, £3 million refurbishment provides extra space for students, new accessibility features and improves wellbeing through a new natural skylight.
It’s also kitted out with group study and individual booths, so you can study in private or with friends without worrying about your surroundings.
Increasing study space
We are also starting to create more study space in the beloved Laidlaw Library. By removing out-of-date stock and shelving, we want to create new study space in time for the start of next year. Watch this space! We’ve also added clearer signage to the group and silent study across the libraries, so you can get maximum focus with minimum distractions.
Laptop lockers and accessibility
Tech in the Libraries continues to improve to make your access and use of the libraries as smooth as possible. We‘ve relaunched our laptop loan service in the Brotherton and Health Sciences Libraries. And now you don’t need your student card to check laptops out. Find out more about our library loans.
We also increased the amount of accessible equipment and resources available from our reception desks, making on-site studying easier and more comfortable.
Keep your eyes peeled for more news about changes, upgrades and opportunities to make a difference in your Libraries.
