The library you helped shape
Your library team has made a number of improvements in response to your feedback. From study spaces to resources, and inclusive decorations to digital tools, the team is working hard to create a more comfortable, accessible, and engaging experience for all students.
Improved resources and access
- Removed the annual cap on book requests - you can now request as many items as you need.
- Introduced Rapid ILL, allowing most e-journal and e-book chapter requests to be fulfilled within 24 hours.
- Redesigned subject guides to make it easier to find key academic materials.
- Reference-only items are now being converted into loanable stock.
- Expanded e-learning and introduced more study skills and numeracy workshops.
Enhanced student experience
- Installed ergonomic chairs, rise-and-fall desks, and ADHD-friendly seating in study spaces.
- Replaced over 150 study chairs and 170 loan laptops/MacBooks.
- Added docking monitors on all floors to support dual-screen working.
- Created new accessible study spaces and moved Allerton’s accessible room to a more visible ground floor location.
Inclusive and creative spaces
- Commissioned student artwork throughout Clifford Whitworth — all artists were being paid for their work.
- Installed seasonal decorations for Christmas, Eid, Diwali, Halloween, and Chinese New Year.
- Expanded themed book displays and decorations at MediaCity Campus in response to feedback from students studying off the main campus.
Improved visibility and communication
- Introduced new wayfinding signage, tension frames, and vinyl displays to highlight resources and events.
- Added QR codes to library equipment, linking to how-to videos for easier use.
- Relocated the tech bar and introduced a new enquiry desk in Clifford Whitworth for better access to help.
Better support for employability
- Studenst now have access to thousands of opportunities via the Handshake platform.
More inclusive and diverse collections
- Continued investment in Inclusive Collections featuring a wider range of voices and perspectives.
- Expanded the zine collection with student-recommended titles.
Facilities and wellbeing
- Introduced a new coffee machine and stocked student kitchen for out-of-hours access.
- Added new Wi-Fi boosters to improve connectivity.
- Increased access to 4-week loan laptops with a new reservation system.
More ways to share your voice
- Your library team is collecting feedback through reception boards, online forms, and proactive staff engagement.
- Launched mystery shopper roles so students can be paid to give feedback on their library experience.
- Ran interactive activities like our festive “stocking wall” for book suggestions.
Check out everything that your library has to offer, from study support to resources and event on the library page.