1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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 handover
University of Plymouth April 2005

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Level one and atrium
University of Plymouth April 2005

10. Foyer and steps
University of Plymouth April 2005

11. 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

12. 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