The Pro-Vice-Provost’s view

UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Library

26 October saw the formal opening of the refurbished  UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health Library.

A full description of the work which has been undertaken to deliver this fantastic new facility can be seen here.

There were three formal speeches to mark the official opening – from Grazia Mazotti, Ben Meunier and Jay Woodhouse.

The new layouts underline a number of principles which are embedded in the Library Strategy and UCL 2034.

First, the move from a traditional paper-based library to one which is geared more closely to responding to how University and NHS users actually need and use learning spaces. The provision of so much computer hardware, and the flexibilty of the desks in allowing this kit to disappear if the space is needed for more conventional learning, speak directly to the User Experience.

Second, the new layouts illustrate the close partnership working that exists between UCL and its NHS partners. The library service in Child Health is a joint library service, offered equally to HE users and to the NHS.

Third, the new library layouts could not have been accomplished without partnership working between the Library and ISD in Professional Services. The sharing of a common vision for the future of UCL library and learning spaces helped to develop a first class vision for what shape the library service could take for HE and NHS users.

Finally, I would like to add my personal congratulations to everyone involved in this project, particuarly to library staff in Child Health and to the Library’s Buildings team. All have worked tirelessly to deliver a first-rate library and learning experience from which we will learn much, as we prepare for the delivery of the New Student Centre and 1,000 new learning spaces in 2019.

Paul Ayris

Pro-Vice-Provost (UCL Library Services)