Newcastle University

The Robinson Library is changing
The Robinson Library is undergoing a major refurbishment. Beginning in summer 2011, new learning and research spaces will be created as low usage material is moved out of the Robinson Library to off-campus storage. More information about the project is available in our FAQ

Keep up to date
If you would like to keep up to date with what is happening in the Robinson Library please see our Latest News blog: http://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/robinsonchanges

Background
One of the library's key strategic priorities for the next 5 years is to accelerate the development of the 'Digital Library'. This will be achieved by:

Beginning in summer 2011, space in the Robinson Library will be reconfigured to provide up to 300 extra study spaces. In recent years, the library has prioritised the creation of new group study spaces, which are used primarily by undergraduate students. A recent student survey highlighted the need for additional quiet learning and research space in the library. The development of such a space will complement the existing group study spaces in the library and the new social learning spaces currently being developed in the Union Society building. Completion of the work in the Robinson Library is expected by the end of summer 2012.

To enable the creation of additional study space in on-campus libraries, the library will continue with its policy of housing less well-used material in off-campus facilities, while protecting on-campus space for the most heavily used material. Newly acquired facilities at Team Valley are currently being refurbished and will become a major part of the library service, ensuring the library has the capacity to retain, and provide access to, research material which has demonstrated lower usage over a sustained period.

Wherever possible and cost-effective, electronic access to journals will be favoured. Back-runs of journals and print copies of titles which are available electronically will also be housed off-site. The process of moving this material will begin in June 2011.

The library's retrieval services will be reviewed and enhanced to ensure material which is requested from off-campus continues to be delivered in a timely and efficient manner. By continuing to monitor usage of research and teaching collections, the library will continue to provide access to a dynamic collection of resources.

Throughout the project, the library will consult and liaise with University stakeholders to ensure information about the project is available as widely as possible. Should any individual or group wish to find out more about the project, they should contact their Liaison Librarian in the first instance.