The Head of Library Services at the Augustine House Library and Student Services Centre at Canterbury Christ Church University , Pete Ryan, gave us a very interesting talk on how the library grew from an idea in to a reality and shared with us how it has changed since it was first opened.

1. Augustine House
Library and Student Services Centre

2. Background to Augustine House

4. A vision for a new library that would
help to achieve these goals…

5. Augustine House Project
Develop a “state of the art” Library and Learning Centre
Provide a high quality and dynamically resourced venue for the
services provided to students
Offer a major facility for the University and civic use
Support commitments to environmental sustainability
Provide a “flagship” site for the University in the City of Canterbury

6. Augustine House – Timetable
2004: Clarkson House purchased
2006: Plans for new build developed
2007: Demolition began
2008/9: Construction began
2009: Opened in September
A Library fit for the 21st century!

7. Physical design
Open
Integrated
Engaging
Stimulating
Inspiring
Creative Innovative
Flexible
Social
Zones

8. Sustainability
Sustainability central to the AH vision:
- built on a previously developed (i.e. brown-field) site
- ecothermal heat-pumps supply 25% heating/cooling from
local, renewable source
- emphasis on green transport through ready access to public
transport and on site facilities for cyclists
- procurement of sustainable furniture
“Augustine House is a sustainable building,
built for the long term”.
Peter Rands, Sustainability Development Manager

9. Library Staff involvement
Library managers consulted throughout the project
- planning of resource layout and spaces
- layout of library staff areas
Library staff were involved throughout the Project
On-going Library projects involving different staff to investigate and
evaluate building and service
- preparation for the various library moves
- deliver core library service during summer 2009
- final preparations of stock for opening in September 2009

10. Accessibility
Strong agenda to support users with disabilities:
- blue badge parking spaces
- improved internal access to building and facilities
- height-adjustable tables
- improved assistive computing software in designated area
- hearing / induction loop system in consultation rooms
- visible staff support and provision of personal tours

11. Students at the centre
Student comments from University Student Survey and National Student Survey
“I have found the library
to be a dynamic learning
environment, where I
tend to work effectively”
“The new library is
brilliant and has a very
relaxed atmosphere in
which I feel confident to
study”
“The library is an asset
to the University and
has been great in terms
of my learning”
“The library is fantastic. A really well
thought out and structured learning
space. I am constantly impressed by the
facilities which seem to have been put
together with real consideration of how
best to support students whilst they
are engaged in studying. The library staff
have always been exceptionally polite and
helpful. I have experienced many
academic libraries and this is far and
away the most student friendly library I
have ever encountered”
“I think it is a lovely venue,
great, has all facilities that
we needed”

13. Library Staff
Use the whole building with students:
- lectures in Augustine Hall
- workshops in IT / seminar rooms
- 1-2-1 tutorials in consultation rooms
- go to where students are working
- Library Point assistance
Library teams located together in open-planned office
Easy access to i-zone and other student services

14. Augustine House open to all
Flagship building for open days
Display and celebrate students’ art work
External visitors and the local community
Increasing school visits as we embrace the widening participation agenda
A location for events, talks, conferences, exhibitions (e.g. “Universe of Sound”)

15. Moving to self-service
90%for self-service issues
60%self-payment transactions
since March 2011

16. Library service developments
Self-service principles
Emphasis on customer service
Bringing library staff out from behind the “glass walls”
Reviewing use of spaces and student needs
Moving library stock in response to curriculum
developments / academic needs

17. Just Ask
Implementation of roving
“Just Ask” service in 2012
Library staff made more visible
Use of mobile phones/iPad
Great success!
6900“Just Ask” enquiries
received in first year

18. Technology
PCs
Macs
Interactive White Boards (IWB)
Wi-Fi
Touchscreen PCs
Multi-Functional Devices (MFDs)
Assistive Technology

19. iBorrows
Pioneering new scheme
Portability
Flexibility of working

20. “You said, we did!”
Added more computers
Upgraded iBorrows with bigger screens
Extended opening hours and access to building until 1.00am every day
Increased Quiet Study areas
In 2014, carry out a pilot of 24 hour opening during the exam period
including Easter opening.
Improved library staff visibility and support throughout the building

21. Augustine House: Did we meet the
original goals?
CCCU Strategic Plan 2006-2011
A centre that enhances and promotes our role as a university
A stimulating learning environment
A building to house a range and quality of student facilities and
services
A sustainable structure fit for the future

22. Augustine House continues to evolve…
Academic year 2013-2014 saw:
The launch of new “Partners in Learning” zone on the ground floor
The reconfiguration of Quiet Zone area
Increasing library staff presence throughout the building
The integration of short loan collection with 7 day loans
A review of print journals holdings due to increased online access