Staff and students celebrate landmark library development

Students at Teesside University have received a timely academic boost with the latest phase of the multi-million pound refurbishment of the library now complete.

The new-look library was unveiled with an official opening and, at the same time, was also on show to thousands of prospective students who visited the campus this week for the University open day.

Teesside University is spending £6m upgrading and enhancing the library facilities as part of its commitment to providing the best possible student and learning experience.

It continues the rolling programme of investment which has seen over £260 million pounds spent on the campus in recent years.

Improvements to the library include a range of flexible, technology-enabled, individual and group learning spaces, improved IT provision, new lighting and ventilation and additional digital support.

The latest development on the first floor is the second phase of refurbishment with over £2m spent in 2012. The additional floors will be refurbished during the summer break to minimise disruption.

Originally opened in 1997, Teesside University’s library was designed by renowned architect George Clarke, from television’s Restoration Man. It regularly receives positive feedback from students, scoring highly in the annual National Student Survey and International Student Barometer.

Malcolm Page, Chief Operating Officer at Teesside University, said: 'The changes to the library are stunning and provide an environment which our students and staff can be extremely proud of.

'Our library is at the heart of the campus and at the centre of University life. It is fantastic to be able to showcase the new, improved environment during the open day and I am sure prospective students will be impressed with what they see.

'With further refurbishment planned, I believe we are creating one of the best learning environments in the country and a library which reinforces our commitment to providing a first class learning and student experience.'

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• Student experience
• campus heart
• library