Completion of library is something to shout about

The final phase of the library refurbishment at Lancaster University is now complete, marking the end of an exciting and ambitious project to create an outstanding learning and research facility on campus.

The university now boasts a resource that reinforces and reflects its reputation as a world-class centre for teaching, scholarship and research.

The re-modelled library offers a flexible, inspiring, technology-enabled environment with a range of individual and group work spaces to support different learning styles. The building has been designed to maximise natural light and offers a significant increase in power and data provision.

The refurbishment also enhances the user experience by improving way finding, ensuring the location and layout of book shelving and services are more intuitive and accessible.

One of the standout features is a live tree in the main study area which helps to create a calming environment for students and symbolises the green credentials of both the Library and the University.

Peter Maggs, director of library services, said: “We would like to thank students, staff and other users for their patience and goodwill during the redevelopment project. We can now celebrate a truly magnificent, contemporary facility which meets the highest design standards and the modern needs of our users.”

The original Library was constructed in 1967, with an extension added in 1997.

Work started on the building at the end of the summer term in 2014 after 18 months of intensive planning and consultation. The project has seen a complete renovation of the East and West Buildings with the addition of new facilities, IT, workspaces and bookshelves. The library is the first refurbishment project on campus to target a BREEAM Excellent standard, a measure of the building's environmental performance and impact.