Refurbishment of Fountains Learning Centre 27.5.11

Refurbishment of the Fountains Learning Centre
6 June – 16 September 2011

Over the summer we will be working on a major transformation project to enhance the resources and environment available for study in the Fountains Learning Centre. The three floors of the library will be refurbished and adapted with significant changes taking place on the ground floor. This work is being undertaken to ensure that students have access to top-quality learning resources – and is informed by student feedback about our existing facilities and consultations with the Students’ Union, key users across the organisation and faculties.

There may be some disruption during the first week of works, but main library services will continue from the ground and then the first floor.

When planning the work schedule we have made sure that the Fountains Learning Centre remains open (Summer Term opening times), with main library services operating from the first floor. However, access to the building will be via the first floor entrance from De Grey Court – signage will be in place to assist you. Access to online resources, e-books and short term loans will continue as normal. You will also be able to take out up to 45 books for an extended loan period (to mid-October). In addition, Costa Coffee and the Fountains Lecture Theatre will be unaffected.

Inevitably, there will be some disruption but careful planning will aim to keep this to a minimum. Information about the closure of areas to allow work to take place will be posted on the Project Fountains website from 3 June as well as information points in Holgate and the Library. Please visit the website during the project so you can keep up to date with the developments. We’ll also be communicating updates via the Students’ Union website and Twitter.

The ‘new look’ Fountains Learning Centre will include:
• A new entrance
• Opening up the space to encourage flexible of use to promote different learning styles
• New seating and study areas with a mix of fixed and moveable furniture to create social learning spaces
• The Main Counter will be relocated to the heart of ground floor to deal with all library and IT queries in a more open way
• A development and improvement of the self-service facilities
• A reconfiguration of the book shelves to promote ease of use.
• An increased and enhanced IT provision

Key facts
• A £1.1 million investment
• 30 new open access PCs
• £50,000 to increase the book stock
• Extended loan period up to mid October with up to 45 books per user

If you have initial queries about the refurbishment project, please contact Siona Mackelworth, Director of Marketing, on E: s.mackelworth@yorksj.ac.uk


“We are over the moon that the University is making this investment – including £50,000 for core texts. The Fountains Learning Centre will be a lot more inviting with colour zoning and soft seating areas. The project shows that the University is not standing still and takes notice of our feedback on learning resources. There will be some disruption over the summer but the increased loan facilities should help alleviate the problems until the project is finished.”
Leigh Hankinson, President, Students’ Union


“The refurbishment of the Fountains Learning Centre will allow us to take a fresh approach to how we deliver learning resources in an invigorating and exciting new way. The focus is on enhancing flexibility, customer service, accessibility and technology support. I know that the next few weeks will provide a challenge to all those involved, but I am confident that we have the expertise and enthusiasm to ensure this project is a great success.”
Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor