Advances in technology and e-resources, the development of the student experience and pedagogical changes such as group working and social learning; are all factors which have changed the demands on the use of academic libraries in the past few years. These changes have been reflected in some new, exciting academic library buildings and re-organisation of the space in many others. This book aims to provide readers with an authoritative view of university library spaces past, present and future, drawing on case studies from a number of countries around the world.
This is an academic text; Chapter 1, page 1 indicates clearly that the editors’ aims do not include collections of images of inspirational new libraries, though some sources for these are given. There is an international list of contributors who have delivered a wide-ranging series of chapters, covering all aspects of University library spaces in this digital age. (Disclosure: The research space contributors were suggested by the reviewer.)
Introductory chapters provide an historical perspective and describe current approaches and how technology is impacting on library spaces. Well-chosen case studies in successive chapters are used to highlight how the continued importance of print influenced planning at the award-winning David Wilson Library in Leicester; the opportunities provided by a new building at the University of Aberdeen; and, importantly, given current financial constraints, approaches to redeveloping existing library space drawing on the example of the University of Edinburgh. Subsequent chapters cover sharing space, staff accommodation, reimagining space for learning – this chapter drawing on the creation of an integrated student learning precinct at the University of Melbourne and research spaces.
The research spaces chapter highlights the evolving nature of dedicated researcher space, the importance of collaboration as a driver and the need to consult researchers in the process of designing such spaces. This chapter highlights facilities being made available at the newly built James B. Hunt Jr Library at North Carolina State University, so the ice cream parlour which is a feature of the main D.H. Hill Library sadly is not mentioned. Other research spaces, notably at the universities of Auckland, Michigan, Ohio and Warwick are also described briefly.
Final chapters examine the evaluation of space and use, sustainability and what the future may hold. The chapter on sustainability seems a little perfunctory compared with preceding chapters, and the author acknowledges a paucity of literature on this aspect of library spaces. The editors look bravely into the future considering technology, the student population, evolving teaching methods and the continued decrease in volume of printed literature among several factors influencing buildings and spaces.
Overall, this book is a timely and thoughtful contribution to the literature, and I recommend it to anyone involved in planning new or remodelling existing university library spaces.
