Renovated with bright and fresh new space, the library features a collaborative Learning Commons, which aims at facilitating the use of the library, providing centralised access to staff as well as building a sense of community amongst students.
Designed with functional elements, the Learning Commons include access to high quality and personalised service at a new ‘one-stop shop’ service desk. In order to create an active learning environment and sense of community, it is decorated with modern and versatile furniture, which can be rearranged for individual or group work.
Apart from that it also features new self-serve circulation kiosks and an open access reserve collection, which are convenient and save time with easy retrieval and checkout of materials. An interactive media space provides a place for working collaboratively and teaching to small groups.
The renovations also include an entrance with natural light, warm and plentiful energy-efficient lighting, attractive modern washrooms, flat panel displays, and flexible display cases. Also included were the installations of photocopiers in vented rooms, security cameras, and new signage.
Costing $5 million, the first phase of the project involves renovations of 24,000 square feet of space, including mechanical and electrical upgrades with additional computer wiring. The next phase of the renovation project will involve the design of several wired group study rooms in the northwest corner of the floor by the windows. It will also include the renovations of meeting rooms, multipurpose electronic classrooms, and a writing centre along with additional upgrades to the second and third floors.
The newly renovated library opened on 17 January 2013.
