Talk delivered by Simon Bains, University Librarian and Head of Library Services, University of Aberdeen and Fiona Clark, Library and Information Services Manager, Aberdeen City Council

1. Open to all: widening services
through partnership in Aberdeen
Simon Bains, University of Aberdeen
Fiona Clark, Aberdeen City Council

2. University of Aberdeen: Aberdeen 2040
Open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth in the service of others.
Our foundational purpose continues to be our driving force. We are open
to all, locally, nationally and internationally
We will care for the wellbeing, health and safety of our diverse
community.
We will enhance our digital and physical environments to serve staff and
students.

3. ‘A place where all people can prosper’ “ a City of Learning”
Our vision for 2026 is Aberdeen as a place where all people can prosper. This
means all people being able to access the opportunities available in our great City,
regardless of their background or circumstances.
Becoming a City of Learning means capitalising on the vast opportunities,
resources and potential for enabling people to learn and develop themselves in
ways that meet their needs, interests and ambitions.
Local Outcome Improvement Plan 2016-2026: refreshed 26 February 2019
Aberdeen City Vision

4. Academic libraries are often associated with stress
I’m stressed and
scared when the
library is
crowded”
“I felt
overwhelmed and
anxious when
first entering the
library. It’s so big” “The library is so
packed and noisy,
I hardly ever find
any of the things I
want”“Sometimes frustration sets
in using the library online
when trying to access
journals”

5. Examples of wellbeing initiatives

6. Vision for the Library and Digital Directorate
April 2019 March 2020

7. Need for a refresh

8. Before

9. The project

10. After

11. Complementary collections

14. November 2019 – March 2020
Data

15. Feedback
Absolutely
love it!It’s fantastic
being able to
use public
library
services here!
Great to
have a pick
up point
here
I want to
read
everything
on the
shelves

16. But covid

17. We will look outwards and build
partnerships with individuals,
communities and organisations in
the public, private and voluntary
sectors.
Aberdeen 2040
Plans for the future a possible future
Brave New World

18. Thanks and questions