Reading Room to Knowledge Hub Small Scale Transformation Alan Fricker Knowledge & Library Service Manager Newham University Hospital NHS Trust LHL Library Managers’ Study Day 24 September 2010
Jun 23, 2015
Reading Room to Knowledge Hub
Small Scale TransformationAlan Fricker
Knowledge & Library Service Manager
Newham University Hospital NHS Trust
LHL Library Managers’ Study Day
24 September 2010
Space for today
• Space at Newham• Challenges• Opportunity• Wider trends• Outcomes
Challenges
• Shortage of study space• Noise levels• Changing study styles• Changing patterns of stock• Opening hours• Perceptions
Opportunity – the Reading Room
• Excellence in education bid• Proposal: Creation of an enhanced environment to
support e-learning and computer facilitated study by small groups.
• Redefine a tired under used space
Wider trends
• Got Melanie Brocklehurst on the job• Inspired by work at the RCN – “An online service in a
physical space”• Trends in health science library buildings (Ludwig, 2010)
– Flexibility
– Coffee
– Group study space
– Information Commons
– Single Desk
– Conference Rooms
– Compact Shelving
– Art
– 24/7
– Wireless
In practice
• Major cosmetic work• Replacement furniture• Replacement lighting • 24 hour swipe access• Group PC work spaces• Casual coffee table style corner• Additional journal archive shelving• Branding• Launch linked to student support on site• Total cost ~£15K
Outcomes
• Increased capacity– 5 more seats
– 2 extra PCs
– Bay of shelving
• Increased range of study styles supported• Increased 24 hour space provision • Greatly increased usage of room (Library Sweeps)• Popular at all times• Noise?• Secured space
References
• http://www.designinglibraries.org.uk/ • Ludwig, L. (2010) Health sciences library building survey
1999-2009. JMLA. 98(2) 105-134 http://dx.crossref.org/10.3163%2F1536-5050.98.2.004