Building the case Opportunity for change Developing the concept Library extension Penny Holland, Head of Customer Services, University of Plymouth Building the case Opportunity for change Developing the concept University of Plymouth April 2005

Building the case Comparative data Informal lobbying Formal papers Exploring possibilities Starting all over again … Until finally Space, funding and political support come together University of Plymouth April 2005

Opportunity for change Improved and varied study places eg very silent study area; library café Self-issue and self-return 24/7 open access computing Improved accessibility including disabled Better environment Space for more stock University of Plymouth April 2005

Developing the concept Within the University With the architect and M&E consultant With Client Co-ordinator – appointed from Learning Facilities department Not the only customer – Estates maintenance, Director of Finance, Chancellery, the students and staff, library staff, City Council University of Plymouth April 2005

Timescale Xmas 2002 – given the go ahead – concept agreed Visits, discussions, detailed brief May 2003 – signed off plans June / July 2003 – enabling works Summer 2003-Summer 2004 – the build September 2004 - handover University of Plymouth April 2005

The extension 3000 sq metres additional space £7.5m approx 900 study places in extended library Space for shelving to accommodate 5 years growth including stock from other campuses £311K HEFCE Capital 3 funding for disabilities support University of Plymouth April 2005

Capital 3 funding Foyer and disabled lift connecting two levels of the campus Semi-automatic pass doors on each level Pass door to access control system Improving area around library – levelling, repaving, improved lighting 2 disabled toilets; induction loops at service points; refuge alarms University of Plymouth April 2005

Planning for accessibility Learning resources strategy Architects brief Liaison with Disability Assist Particular projects – signage; furniture specifications; special support services Remembering to remember – spacing; layout; design impact University of Plymouth April 2005

Level one and atrium University of Plymouth April 2005

Foyer and steps University of Plymouth April 2005

Audit and lessons learnt Lots of “snags” when we took occupancy – many impacting on wheelchair users Difference between Building Regulations standards and best practice for disability provision Disability as a political issue / access as an emotional issue No single solution which is right for everyone University of Plymouth April 2005

Audit and lessons learnt (con) Finance the key Post contract review identified issues to be resolved but difficult to establish real outcomes. University’s next big project has a specialist disability consultant University of Plymouth April 2005