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