Libraries

Campus transformation

Boots Library - City site

Boots Library is undergoing a £4.2 million refurbishment to make it an even better place for students to study, with more study spaces, more computers and better group study provision.

The library is already located in a modern purpose-designed building and has an extensive range of facilities and resources, including more than 300 open access computers.

The improvements will take place over the next three years, and when completed the library will provide additional study spaces in a variety of configurations, be easier to use and navigate around, and, through improved decoration and furniture, be a more welcoming and pleasurable space to study in.

Improvements so far
Work has already started on the fourth floor, which has been newly decorated and carpeted, the electrics and lighting upgraded, and the study environment transformed with new contemporary furniture and a collaborative working space in the nose cone area. In addition, all of the old computers have been replaced with brand new ones, ready for the start of term.

All of these improvements, combined with the award-winning customer service, will provide a learning and study environment that will be sector leading.

Comment from University Librarian
Caroline Taylor, University Librarian said: "Our libraries are central to the student and academic life at NTU, and the developments that are now underway represent a significant commitment by the University to keep them at the leading edge in terms of design, functionality, and use of innovative technology."

Brackenhurst Library

Work on a fantastic new eco-friendly library is underway which will provide a stimulating and flexible study environment for our students.

The single-storey building represents a new vision for learning support in the 21st century, incorporating the latest advancements in technology. Large open spaces and smaller study areas are included in the design to allow for a dynamic social and flexible environment which caters for both group and quiet study.

It will also reflect the courses delivered within the School, with artists’ impressions of trees, wildlife and flora and fauna incorporated into the décor – and there will be a ‘projection wall’ for student work to be showcased.

Environmental performance
The library will be awarded the second highest ‘BREEAM’ rating – the world’s foremost environmental assessment method for buildings – and the highest possible Energy Performance Certificate, which measures energy efficiency. All materials for the building will be from environmentally-ethical suppliers and its carbon footprint during and after construction will be kept to a minimum.

The building will be heated by a biomass boiler, with some of the fuel sourced from the university farm, while ecology has been at the forefront of the scheme. Extensive surveys have been undertaken to minimise any impact on nesting birds, bats, and great crested newts.

Award winning customer service
The library will also hold the ‘Customer Service Excellence’ award, a government standard awarded to NTU’s Libraries and Learning Resources team for its high quality customer service.

Comment from the Dean
Professor Eunice Simmons, the Dean of the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said: “We are very excited about this development, which will provide a stimulating and flexible study environment for our students. This library is intended to be an outstanding building at the heart of our campus and will be a focal point for future generations of students to enjoy.”

The library is due to open Summer 2013.

Clifton Library

Over summer 2012 Clifton library was given a face-lift in the form of brand new furniture, making it a much more comfortable and pleasant space to study in.

Additional work on improving and extending Clifton Library is currently at planning stage and will be undertaken as part of the Clifton campus regeneration project. When we have more details we will post them here.