The document summarizes a visit from the University of Nottingham to discuss the University of York library refurbishment project. It provides context on the university and existing library buildings, then outlines the drivers and vision for the refurbishment to create a more modern research and student-focused library. It details the projects to refurbish the JB Morrell Library and add a new Computer Science building, the stakeholder input, design process, and challenges of completing the building work while keeping the library operational. Feedback from students praised the new facilities.

1. Visit from University of
Nottingham
University Library Refurbishment
20th August 2012

2. This session
• University Context
• Brief history of Library buildings
• Vision & Drivers for the refurbishment project
• The Projects
• Stakeholder input
• Design
• Building project
• Delivery

3. The University Context
& Library buildings

4. University of York
• Founded 1963
• UK top 20; RAE 8th; World
top 100; now Russell Group;
WUN
• 15,265 students
• >30 departments in
humanities, social
sciences, science
• Campus growth
– Heslington East
• Collegiate and inclusive

5. University Library
• > 1m items
• >100 staff
• Archives extensive &
unique
• Developing digital
library expertise
• Library & Archives to
2008
• Now part of
Information Directorate

6. JB Morrell Library
• 1960's Library building
• Designed in collaboration with University's first
Librarian, Harry Fairhurst
– few barriers between stock and users
– large open areas that can be altered as necessary
– teaching accommodation
– group studies
– cafe
• First major extension to North of building: 1986-
1987

7. Raymond Burton Library for Humanities
Research
• Opened 2003
• Funded primarily by the Raymond Burton
Charitable Trust
• Purpose built Library conjoined
• Includes a research reading room
• Temperature controlled storage for Special
Collections

8. The Borthwick Institute for Archives
• Founded in 1952 as a
forerunner of the
University
• Archives moves from its
city centre location to an
extension to the
Raymond Burton Library
in 2005
• Library department
renamed Library &
Archives

9. Other branches
• King’s Manor Library
• York Minster Library, in
partnership with Dean
& Chapter
– Oldest & largest
Cathedral Library in the
country
• Both in Grade One
listed locations

10. Initial drivers & opportunities
• Asbestos removal from JBM Library
• Move of adjacent Computer Science academic
department to Heslington East, releasing a
further refurbishment opportunity
• Joined up approach to Information provision
as expressed in the 2008 Information Strategy

11. LibQUAL+ 2008

12. The Vision

13. Vision components
• A research Library environment for deep study
including archives
• A working Library for students and staff
– Better group and individual space
• A ‘Commons’ building
– Multimedia provision (focused on Music & TFTV)
– Interactive space (and with a range of staff)
– Technology rich varieties of space (including PGRs)

14. Other factors
• Building integrity
• Upgrade to lighting, heating and ventilation
essential
• Tired facilities
• Improved zoning required
• Need for bookable group study space
• Pressure on collection space
• Increased emphasis on self service
• Additional IT including use of personal devices

15. BEFORE

21. The Projects

22. Stakeholder input

23. • Consultation with
o Library staff
o Academic staff
o Students
• Data on space utilisation and future needs
• Review of Library survey data and comments
• Examples of good practice from other
institutions
• Advice from Estates and other contractors

24. Design

25. • Respecting the integrity of the original design of the JB
Morrell Library
• Common palette of finishes
• Buildings distinguished by use of colour in furniture
• Power throughout
• Wireless throughout
• Zoning
• Wide range of study facilities
• Longevity of furniture solutions
• Design shifted as Computer Science building was
added to the plans

26. Building project

27. Timescales
• J B Morrell tender won by Shepherd Construction Ltd in Summer 2009
o Building work January 2010 until 24 February 2012
o Move of 95% of Library staff to portakabins August 2010
• Customer Services & Archives staff remained in building
o Construction work took place over 6 phases
o Four floors; ground, first, second and third (also included roof refurbishment)
o Library stayed open throughout
o Work took place on one floor/part of a floor at a time
o Overnight working when necessary
o Large scale book moves throughout to accommodate the closing/re-opening of floors
• Computer Science building tender won by Shepherd Construction Ltd in Summer 2010
o Building work October 2010 until 16 April 2011
o Three floors; ground, first and second (also included roof refurbishment)
o Shorter timescale as contractor had full control of building

28. Issues
• Maintaining a fully operational Library throughout the work
• Noise (from building work and the sub-contractors themselves)
• Loss of study space
• General communication between Library staff as on split sites
• Customer and Contractor expectations
• Move of some lesser used stock to external closed storage
• Renovating a building which had sparse records about infrastructure

29. Opportunities
• Computer Science building gave us the chance to offer innovative study spaces not
seen before at York
• Opened up/improved networks with other departments in the University
• Library Cafe
• Enabled 24/7 opening
• Put the Library back on the map

30. Delivery

31. “Love the new Harry Fairhurst Building”
“Despite building disruption, staff have
always done a good job and library
information has improved over the past
couple of years”
“…I really like the new Harry Fairhurst
Building…a welcoming and relaxed
atmosphere…thank you!”

36. Questions?