Library refurbishment

Project information

Originally opened in 1964 the University Library & Archives was extended in 1978 and 1988 and is now being completely refurbished, at an overall cost of £20 million, to provide the environment and range of different study facilities required by students and staff in the 21st century.

The refurbishment comprises six phases and will be completed in the academic year 2011/12.

The refurbishment project is extensive and all areas of the JB Morrell Library will be affected by the work. Walls, ceilings and windows are being replaced, and the works include an absestos removal programme and renewal of mechanical and electrical services.

Expansion

In 2011 the project also saw the Library building extending west to connect up with the former Computer Science building, now renamed the Harry Fairhurst Library, after the first University Librarian. Opened on 26 April 2011, this development significantly enlarges the University Library, providing 500 media-rich reader places for individual and group study and research, in a modern environment. 

Improvements

As well as making improvements to lighting, heating and ventilation in the existing JBM building, new study areas will be provided. These include zoned silent and quiet study areas, PC rooms (including a silent cluster) and group study rooms.  All areas will be IT enabled with either fixed PCs or wireless connectivity with power provided to desktop. The upper three floors of the JBM building are almost entirely finished, and the new main entrance was opened in October 2011. You can preview the facilities which are and will be available on the Vision page, where you will find floor plans and architects' images of the refurbished Library.

More information on the Library refurbishment

For more information on this project, including images, a timeline, and floor plans, see the Library website: