The transformation of the Barr Smith Library is about to commence, with two major building works projects starting in November: a complete refurbishment of the southern end of Level 1 to facilitate the move of the Elder Music Library into the Barr Smith Library, and a smaller joint Hub Central – University Library project to improve signage and wayfinding on Level 3.
These projects represent the first significant refurbishment of the Barr Smith Library extension since it was built in the 1970s and we look forward to welcoming you into the newly refurbished spaces in 2018.
Before we open the doors to the newly refurbished spaces there is quite a lot of work that will be happening on both Level 1 and Level 3. The southern end of Level 1 will be closed for renovation from November 3 until mid-2018. ÌýPreparations for the closure of the southern end of Level 1 have included shifting the collections and study desks to other parts of the Library. The good news is that we have been able to maintain the same overall number of study desks (even if some of them are slightly oddly located!).
Rare Books & Special Collections will be affected by the closure but steps are being taken to minimise service disruption.ÌýWhile the current Rare Books & Special Collections service point and reading area will be closed during the refurbishment, the staff willÌýstill be onsite and available for consultation, and a temporaryÌýreading area is being created on Level 2 of the Library. There will be changes to how materials from Rare Books & Special Collections can be accessed, and there will be periods during which the collectionsÌýare unavailable. Please check the Rare Books & Special CollectionsÌýwebsiteÌýfor the latest access information before you come in to the Library.
Wayfinding project on Level 3
This project will see the creation of a clearly defined pathway between the Library and Hub Central, improved signage and branding for the Library and the Ask Library service, and improved wayfinding to the rest of the Library from Level 3 North. A joint project with the Hub, work on the Level 3 wayfinding project will start on 20 November 2017. Building works will happen in distinct stages, so parts of Level 3 (in both the Hub and Library) will be closed off at certain times – please visit the Library blog or follow us on and for the latest project news.
Refurbishment of Level 1 (southern end) and the arrival of the Elder Music Library
The centrepiece of the Level 1 refurbishment is the move of the Elder Music Library collections from the Hartley building to the Barr Smith Library. The collections will move into a vibrant, purpose-built space, and it is this space that will set the tone for the rest of the Barr Smith redevelopment, scheduled to take place over the next few years as part of the University Masterplan. Alongside the arrival of the music library collections will be the creation of several specialist collections, including an East Asian Languages collection, as well as fresh new study spaces.
The refurbishment covers the whole of the southern end of Level 1 and this area will not be accessible during the building works. However, the northern end of Level 1 will be open as usual. To keep up to date with the latest project news please visit the Library blog or follow us on or .