JB Morrell Library ground floor refurbishment

Overview

We have transformed the ground floor of the JB Morrell Library into a more effective, welcoming and flexible environment for students and staff. In close collaboration with the Library team, we have delivered significant improvements and a space designed to enhance your experience on campus.

Benefits

• Enhanced student experience and facilities; 
  • An expansion to the library capacity with 1500 seating spaces throughout, providing staff and students with an ideal setting to socialise, study, eat or grab a drink.
  • The ground floor space now has a better flow of movement and improved accessibility.
• We have increased overall levels of comfort for library visitors.
• • Introducing a selection of furniture tailored for both focused work and socialising.
  • Adding plants to keep the space feeling fresh and relaxed. 
  • Creating individual spaces alongside collaborative group areas, plus essentials such as increased charging points.
  • We have also introduced a small focused space, supporting pop-ups and foyer table activities, which includes a rotating display section. 
• Better accessibility and usability; 
  • We have prioritised inclusivity with new accessible toilet facilities as well as ensuring that all library access lanes are wider.
  • Clearer wayfinding to ensure all building users experience a seamless visit. 
  • We have enhanced staff visibility to better meet user demands, looking at further ways of improving efficiency overall.
• Improved infrastructure and efficiency; 
  • The main entrance and lobby has undergone a significant structural upgrade to ensure a more welcoming arrival. The redesign resolves previous issues of wind tunneling that often required the doors to remain closed, replacing a sometimes awkward entry process with a direct flow from the bridge. 
  • Changes such as energy efficient LED lighting, alterations to heating configurations and better insulation, resulting in a more sustainable building with a reduction in energy consumption. 
  • Finally, we have modernised other areas of our building infrastructure with targeted site enhancements, investing to ensure long-term resilience and sustainability.

“These improvements to our Library entrance area will provide both enhanced study space and enquiry and engagement facilities for students. They build on the refurbishment of the cafe undertaken last year to create an even more welcoming and inclusive environment for all our Library users.”

Vikki Goddard - Chief Academic Services Officer

“We are committed to providing an outstanding student experience, and these enhancements to the JB Morrell Library are a vital part of that journey. These improvements will offer enhanced accessibility, better social and collaborative facilities, and an upgraded café interface - creating a supportive, inspiring space that meets the diverse needs of our students.”

Professor Tracy Lightfoot - PVC Education and Students

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