Augustine House Library and Student Services Centre

Background to Augustine House

A vision for a new library that would help to achieve these goals…

Augustine House Project

Develop a “state of the art” Library and Learning Centre

Provide a high quality and dynamically resourced venue for the services provided to students

Offer a major facility for the University and civic use

Support commitments to environmental sustainability

Provide a “flagship” site for the University in the City of Canterbury

Augustine House – Timetable

2004: Clarkson House purchased

2006: Plans for new build developed

2007: Demolition began

2008/9: Construction began

2009: Opened in September

A Library fit for the 21st century!

Physical design

Open Integrated

Engaging

Stimulating

Inspiring

Creative Innovative

Flexible

Social

Zones

Sustainability

Sustainability central to the AH vision:

- built on a previously developed (i.e. brown-field) site

- ecothermal heat-pumps supply 25% heating/cooling from local, renewable source

- emphasis on green transport through ready access to public transport and on site facilities for cyclists

- procurement of sustainable furniture

“Augustine House is a sustainable building, built for the long term”. Peter Rands, Sustainability Development Manager

Library Staff involvement

Library managers consulted throughout the project

- planning of resource layout and spaces

- layout of library staff areas

Library staff were involved throughout the Project

On-going Library projects involving different staff to investigate and evaluate building and service

- preparation for the various library moves

- deliver core library service during summer 2009

- final preparations of stock for opening in September 2009

Accessibility

Strong agenda to support users with disabilities:

- blue badge parking spaces

- improved internal access to building and facilities

- height-adjustable tables

- improved assistive computing software in designated area

- hearing / induction loop system in consultation rooms

- visible staff support and provision of personal tours

Students at the centre

Student comments from University Student Survey and National Student Survey

“I have found the library

to be a dynamic learning

environment, where I

tend to work effectively”

“The new library is

brilliant and has a very

relaxed atmosphere in

which I feel confident to

study”

“The library is an asset

to the University and

has been great in terms

of my learning”

“The library is fantastic. A really well

thought out and structured learning

space. I am constantly impressed by the

facilities which seem to have been put

together with real consideration of how

best to support students whilst they

are engaged in studying. The library staff

have always been exceptionally polite and

helpful. I have experienced many

academic libraries and this is far and

away the most student friendly library I

have ever encountered”

“I think it is a lovely venue,

great, has all facilities that

we needed”

Library Staff

Use the whole building with students:

- lectures in Augustine Hall

- workshops in IT / seminar rooms

- 1-2-1 tutorials in consultation rooms

- go to where students are working

- Library Point assistance

Library teams located together in open-planned office

Easy access to i-zone and other student services

Augustine House open to all

Flagship building for open days

Display and celebrate students’ art work

External visitors and the local community

Increasing school visits as we embrace the widening participation agenda

A location for events, talks, conferences, exhibitions (e.g. “Universe of Sound”)

Moving to self-service

90% for self-service issues

60% self-payment transactions

since March 2011

Library service developments

Self-service principles

Emphasis on customer service

Bringing library staff out from behind the “glass walls”

Reviewing use of spaces and student needs

Moving library stock in response to curriculum developments / academic needs

Just Ask Implementation of roving “Just Ask” service in 2012 Library staff made more visible Use of mobile phones/iPad Great success!

6900 “Just Ask” enquiries received in first year

Technology

PCs Macs Interactive White Boards (IWB) Wi-Fi Touchscreen PCs Multi-Functional Devices (MFDs) Assistive Technology

iBorrows

Pioneering new scheme

Portability

Flexibility of working

“You said, we did!”

Added more computers

Upgraded iBorrows with bigger screens

Extended opening hours and access to building until 1.00am every day

Increased Quiet Study areas

In 2014, carry out a pilot of 24 hour opening during the exam period including Easter opening.

Improved library staff visibility and support throughout the building

Augustine House: Did we meet the original goals?

CCCU Strategic Plan 2006-2011

A centre that enhances and promotes our role as a university

A stimulating learning environment

A building to house a range and quality of student facilities and services

A sustainable structure fit for the future

Augustine House continues to evolve…

Academic year 2013-2014 saw:

The launch of new “Partners in Learning” zone on the ground floor

The reconfiguration of Quiet Zone area

Increasing library staff presence throughout the building

The integration of short loan collection with 7 day loans

A review of print journals holdings due to increased online access