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Buildings visit 2006 - University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University

The SCONUL Buildings Visit to University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University

7-8 December 2006

Univerity of Glasgow

Over the past few years the University of Glasgow has invested c.£10m in a major redevelopment - refurbishment and expansion - of the original 1968 section of the University Library building. This investment has resulted in the replacement of mechanical and electrical services, the installation of air-conditioning and the creation of varied learning spaces ranging from casual seating areas to silent study carrels. Bookable group study (5) and small research rooms (2) are available. Wireless zones are in place, complemented by powered study desking. This program is currently being completed by a further c.£2.5m project on Levels 10/11 due for completion in October 2006.

The redevelopment program began with the addition of a new floor onto the original building. This allowed the creation of environmentally controlled premises custom built in 1997 to house the Special Collections Department, with panoramic vistas northwards from the unashamedly modern Reading Room.

Within the context of the Library’s ongoing redevelopment programme and with additional funding from the Wolfson Foundation, two existing rooms on Level 11 are currently being converted to create a new facility, due for completion in December 2006, to meet the following main aim: To significantly improve the preservation environment of important historic photographs by the creation of a state-of-the-art photographic store

The off-campus Library Research Annexe opened in 2003 offering excellent environmental conditions in high-density shelving for low use print research materials. This has allowed the development of high quality study spaces in the main Library building at the heart of the campus.

Further information is available at http://www.lib.gla.ac.uk/Research/buildingredev.shtml

Glasgow Caledonian University

Situated at the heart of campus, the Saltire Centre is the focus of learning and student services at Glasgow Caledonian University, and is one of the most ambitious and innovative learning environments in the UK. There are over 1,800 seats in the Saltire Centre designed to provide users with a variety of different spaces, from noisy social interaction areas for group work, to places for silent study. The flexibility of the building will also give staff the opportunity to experiment further with student centred, active learning approaches.

Key highlights include a wireless environment, walkways providing greater accessibility, terraces providing additional social and civic space, a five storey high glazed atrium aiding natural ventilation and environment control, a student services mall including a one-stop-shop, a Learning Café, an illuminated tower, and major art works.

The Saltire Centre featured in an article in the latest SCONUL Focus newsletter (No 37, 2006, pp 4 - 11).

Further information is available at http://www.gcal.ac.uk/thesaltirecentre/

For further information please contact:
Gail Downe, SCONUL Assistant Secretary, SCONUL, 102 Euston Street, London NW1 2HA
Tel: 020 7387 0317 Fax: 020 7383 3197 E-mail: gail.downe@sconul.ac.uk