Library building works planned for this summer
13 June 2024
This summer sees the start of improvements to some of our library spaces and infrastructure. Read on for an overview of the projects which will be taking place in our library buildings over the course of the next few months, with the aim of bringing new and exciting spaces for you to enjoy, as well as maintaining our infrastructure.
There will be some disruption due to noise whilst the work is taking place, but please ask staff for advice on where you can study effectively whilst the work is ongoing.
Philip Robinson Library closure 6th July
Helping us move towards carbon neutral
Over the past few months solar panels have been installed on the roof of the Philip Robinson Library, which we hope will help us achieve carbon neutral at sunnier times of the year. Completion of this work is scheduled for Saturday 6th July and will mean the Philip Robinson library will be closed whilst the work to connect the panels takes place.
The Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms will be open 10am – 10pm on this day, and the Walton Library will be open from 10am – 5pm. The Philip Robinson Library will re-open as normal on Sunday 7th July at 10am.
Improving our study environment
We are looking to refresh the space on Level 2 of the Philip Robinson Library, beyond the Library Help Desk. We received lots of positive feedback about our recent refurbishment of the third floor of the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms, and we are using this feedback alongside other UX research to inform our choice of furniture for this space. The refresh is due to be completed for the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
In the final phase of the refurbishment of the Academic Skills Hub we will be working to reduce some acoustic issues. Whilst this work is taking place, in-person appointments with the Academic Skills Team will be based at the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms so you can still access support and guidance from the team throughout the summer.
We will be introducing a range of new collaborative study furniture in the Law Library. These improvements are based on feedback gathered from students in the earlier part of the year and will offer students using the Law Library a choice of furniture options depending on their study preferences.
At the Walton Library, we will be refurbishing six of the study rooms to bring them up to date.
Refurbishment of the lift located near the main PC cluster on level 2 of the Philip Robinson Library will be taking place in July. At times this may cause some noise, and we will be working hard to minimise this.
Improving the visibility and accessibility of Philip Robinson Library's print collections
We are undertaking some exciting improvements on the 3rd floor of the Philip Robinson Library. This project will replace the current shelving configuration within a pilot area (000-302.32 Dewey range) with modern lower shelving units and wider aisles. We will also take this opportunity to review the stock within the pilot area to ensure that the collections meet the developing needs of our University community. This development will improve navigation and accessibility of the collections for all users, supporting easier retrieval of materials and enhanced visibility and browsability of essential print collections. As such, these updates will contribute towards the Library’s commitment to creating welcoming, accessible and comfortable environments for all.
We welcome any comments about the pilot during its development, as they will help inform the planning of further work on improving the accessibility of our print collections. Please contact us at libraryhelp@newcastle.ac.uk.