On Wednesday 13 November 2024, the Library central heating boiler will be replaced. This vital infrastructure upgrade will ensure we heat the Library more efficiently and reliably while controlling our carbon footprint as the University works towards becoming carbon zero. This work is expected to last only for a few hours but you may notice some small changes on the day.
From Monday 30 September 2024, the Library Meeting Room (UL 0.12) will be being used for ID checks for international students. While these checks are carried out, we regret we cannot offer a dedicated postgraduate study space in the Library. I mentioned that this was likely back in June when the old Postgraduate Study Suite was turned into staff offices in preparation for the extension connecting the Library and Student Union to create a new student hub.
The University is embarking on an ambitious new project to join the University Library and Student Union buildings to create a luxurious new student hub featuring a diverse range of study spaces to suit all purposes and people. Alongside this, we are reviewing library space and focusing initially on a dedicated space for postgraduate study. From 15 July, the old Postgraduate Study Suite will be moving into a temporary new location as we begin this exciting work.
We are going to replace one of the lifts in the Library. The green lift near the IT Help Desk is reaching the end of its working life and needs to be replaced.
Why is the Library such a popular place for students to come and study? Perhaps it is because a space between home and work fosters spontaneous encounters, critical conversations and new friendships forged in the blaze of relaxed industry. Ray Oldenburg suggested such spaces such as the Library are defined less by place, although it is still one of the largest and most diverse open access study spaces on campus, as the way studying in the Library encourages serendipity, finding unusual books, resources, chance encounters with others and engaging in unhindered interchanges that can open doors and take you in new directions.
We were delighted last year to report that a full four years after we first received Customer Service Excellence Standard recognition, our award had been fully reviewed and re-accredited but we have not stood still.
I promised you some months ago a brand new look for the highly popular drop-in seating area near the Law books up on the first floor. Our furniture moving is complete and we are pleased to reveal the leather-bound luxury seating up in Area 1C.
