Library (left panel)
Library (right panel)

Library Brochure

The new library and IT centre ... providing the best possible resources for study.

New Library & IT Centre

New Library and IT Centre finished

Have a look at this one-minute time lapse film put together by Phil Baney in the IT Department.

Building work is complete on the £5 million New Library & IT Centre, designed by Edward Cullinan Architects.

The books were moved at the end of Michaelmas Term 2009 and the building was ready for use at the start of Lent Term 2010. It was offically opened by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh KG KT Chancellor of the University and Visitor of this College on April 19th 2010.

The building provides 100% more reader spaces, 50% more computer spaces and 40,000 volumes on open access.

Designed by Edward Cullinan, RIBA Gold Medal Winner in 2008, the new library extends the 1959 Denys Lasdun College masterplan and aims to create a place for study that reflects the peaceful landscape and respects and enhances the adjacent architecture. 

Key features

West Elevation

  • The stair-tower takes readers between the library floors, and provides study alcoves at half-landing levels which reveal views over the College. It culminates in the 'nest' level where readers can enjoy even wider views across College.
  • There are two flexible study spaces, with projection facilities, which can accommodate groups of up to 25. The south tower has attractive semi-circular spaces on two floors suitable for small-group study.
  • Some study spaces are allocated as permanent computer workstations and laptop use is possible throughout the library - wired and wireless network connections provide flexibility now and for the future.

Environmental impact

  • The building has been designed to exceed the latest building-regulation requirements for energy consumption and insulation levels.
  • Large north-facing windows and louvre screens maximise natural daylight while minimising solar gain.
  • The ventilation strategy and the passive environmental design both minimise the building's environmental impact - reader comfort is achieved using a fresh-air heating system with low energy consumption, to satisfy environmental requirements.