Citations for the SCONUL Library Design Award 2010

Winner in the large category (libraries of more than 3000 square metres):

David Wilson Library, University of Leicester
This Library is a benchmark library, creating an exceptional learning environment. It is a complete remodelling and extension of a 70’s building creating a single library functioning as a new build. The library reinforces the traditional library in a modern context. The new space has allowed development in the service, and creates flexibility for future development. The development is very closely aligned with the organisational mission of the University of Leicester, and there has been high stakeholder involvement with the project. The stakeholders are very happy, even emotionally engaged with the outcomes, evidenced by a high increase in the score in the National Student Survey.

Winner in the small category (libraries of less than 3000 square metres):

Trevithick Library, University of Cardiff
This small Library, serving science schools, is a radical remodelling of an existing library, completed in 2008, and forms the first part of strategy to remodel library space to match new needs. Despite its small size, it has clever use of space, with zoning, and retains the possibility of flexibility for the future. The lighting, environment and furniture are exemplary. An innovative approach was taken to funding, seeking sponsorship from the companies with links to the academic departments. This companies not only provided funds, but also artworks which enliven the surroundings. The Library demonstrates what can be achieved with a small budget and big ambitions.

Highly recomemended:

New Postgraduate Research Library, University College Cork
This is an extension and remodelling of a 1980’s building, creating an extraordinary environment working well for its audience. The building is linked to its environment and to the rest of the campus through the clever use of materials. The atrium has a wonderful sense of light, making an impressive entrance to the building. There is a strong fit to organisational mission and the library is a key element of the University’s academic life and provides outreach to the local community. There is a particular emphasis on sustainability in the building.

Drill Hall Library, Universities at Medway
This is an innovative library service, which brings together service from 3 universities, Greenwich, Kent and Canterbury Christ Church. The library is on a new campus at Chatham Maritime (the site of the Royal Naval Barracks). This space presents particular challenges centred on retaining the feature character of the original building while creating spaces to meet modern library and learning needs. The building speaks to its past as a Drill Hall built in 1902 and blends this with its new role with ease. It is believed to be the longest library in Europe. The staff and users are passionate about the space and the history of the building. The library created is open plan, fluid and flexible to response to new demands.

Information Commons, University of Sheffield
When it opened in 2007, the Information Commons set a new standard in learning spaces. With a "wow" factor, both inside and outside, it provides a wide variety of learning environments. The innovative service delivery was created as a collaboration of the Library and Computing Services, but the Information Commons has created its own distinctive identity. The development was closely integrated into University strategy – is a place for experimentation, and has led the whole University to be innovative in learning. Student satisfaction with the Information Commons is high, evidenced in comments and in the NSS results.