The exhibition on Level 3 of the TL Robertson Library includes a board where visitors are invited to share their thoughts about the refurbished building. To date we have received over 500 responses covering all aspects of the Library and also more generally sharing jokes, celebrating life and documenting the student experience. Comments about the Library have been overwhelmingly positive – people like the atmosphere, the design and the sense of space. They appreciate the variety of study environments, the value that the Library adds to the learning process, and the creative opportunities offered by the Makerspace. Comments include: “I love it! Can’t wait to work and study in this new space!”, “Couldn’t stop saying ‘WOW’ – love it!”, “I’m going to live here now”, “This library makes me smarter”, “Such a nice environment & ambience. Very clean as well which is nice! Makerspace!! 10/10!!”.
Of course, not everything has been perfect, and the feedback has been very useful in identifying teething problems with the new building, and in helping us activate the Library to its full potential. The air-conditioning was initially too cold for many people, and we have been working to adjust it to a better ambient temperature. A large number of comments asked for places to rest or sleep, and we have now installed two “energy pods” on Level 3. Others remarked on the absence of physical books in study spaces – we are currently expanding the Read & Return collection across Levels 4 & 5. There were requests for more spots for individual study – we will be able to address this for Semester 2 with the opening of Level 7 of the building. There was a wish for an increase in 24/7 opening – we are reviewing our staffing model to achieve this.
The feedback board has been an incredibly rich and valuable source of information about client response to the building, and something we plan to retain as a permanent feature as our exhibition space changes and matures.
Written by David Wells, Deputy Director
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