The first phase of a major expansion of the existing library, accommodating a new user services department, book-stack area and a fully integrated IT department, comprising seminar/ lecture and group reading suites, open learning areas, alternative learning technology centre and facilities for multi-media reading.
The building also accommodates a new archive storage area (to BS.5454) with a dedicated reading room and exhibition area.
In the uncertain future of libraries and the nature of information retrieval and use, the library provides deep plan, flexible space to accommodate a wide spectrum of library uses from high density PC use, IT teaching technology development and staff areas, to traditional book storage and reading areas.
The raised floor contains all telecommunications and data cabling and acts as the air distribution plenum. The building is planned around a top-lit atrium
the location for noisier activities of the library. This concentration of noisy uses frees the perimeter for quiet study. The atrium is closed by the archive area and the double height Reading Room, which provides half the total number of new reader spaces.
The Reading Room is a special place, opening out towards the horizon, with its completely glazed western wall and brise soleil screen overlooking the entrance to the University and Morecambe Bay, it acts as a symbol for the library and the University the locus of learningı.
Client Lancaster University
Contract Type JCT.80
Cost £4m
Completion December 1996
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