The £2 million refurbishment of the ground floor of the Arts and Social Sciences Library was completed earlier this month.  A new glass wall and doors at the front of the building have dramatically increased the natural light available.  New refreshment facilities have been developed, and contemporary furnishings, newspapers and on-screen information systems introduced to create a space where visitors can relax after studying in quieter zones of the library.

The library's issue desk, help desk and reception desk have been redesigned and relocated to maximise the use of space.  The Short Loan Collection has been redesigned to give users better accommodation in a new area of the library and a new self-issue service improves the availability of loan items by allowing users to borrow books at any time while the library's doors are open.

There has been a very positive response from students to these developments with comments including: “Fantastic design and layout”, “Airy, good light, modern layout and design“ and “A huge improvement… lots of space and a better use of the space.”

Refurbishment of the Medical Library was completed in January at a cost of  £2.1 million, including £350,000 from the Wolfson Foundation.

Developments include more social learning space, using an innovative, flexible design to enable individual study, group problem-solving activities, presentation work and resource sharing, a high quality coffee bar, improved IT facilities, contemporary furnishings and decoration, improved learning technology equipment and self-service facilities.

The Vice-Chancellor will open The Arts and Social Sciences Library at 12.15pm, the Medical Library at 1.30pm.