Time flies when you’re in a library! It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 10 months since the TL Robertson Library re-opened to the public following a major refurbishment project to address end of life services and modernise facilities. Since then, there have been over a million visits to the space: to study, socialise, relax and a million reasons in-between. Mid-year saw the opening of the new Level 7 and outdoor terrace on Level 4, making available all the spaces and facilities promised by the refurbishment. With the building project delivered, the Library embarked on a project to gather feedback on the visitor experience in the new spaces.
More than 600 people responded to a survey we promoted to visitors to the TL Robertson Library in September this year and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. 88.8% of respondents agreed that they felt productive in the Library; 85.8% of respondents felt that the Library’s spaces are flexible and meet their needs; 80% of respondents named the Library their preferred place to study/work on the Perth (Bentley) campus. Visitors liked the sense of space, the natural light, the flexible study spaces, the kitchen facilities and the views.
- “I love how it feels – the atmosphere has completely changed from when I first started my degree. I look forward to studying now as I love being in the library; it is peaceful, beautiful, comfortable, relaxing, and feels safe.”
- “[I love] absolutely everything. Contemporary design. Functional spaces. More room. Varying designs on each floor. Utilising a beautiful view on Level 7. Completely obsessed.”
- “I love the natural lighting that pours in while I study, it’s peaceful.”
Some comments were less positive. Respondents listed issues with connecting to the Wi-Fi, the cost and variety of food and beverages available in the café, slow elevators (and revolving door) and finding a space to study when the Library is busy, as some of their main concerns. While people acknowledged the flexibility and convenience of the online collection, some miss the physical collection.
- “I miss being able to look through all the books, but understand it is a trade-off for having more study space.“
- “[I want] more books to browse. I loved walking up and down the aisles in the old library and discovering ideas I didn’t know about.”
As book fans ourselves, we can absolutely understand the desire to browse, touch and smell books! To complement the Library’s 760,000 ebooks and the 300,000 volumes in the Level 2 compactus, we have introduced a physical read-and-return collection to Levels 4, 5 and 7 of TL Robertson Library – novels, biographies and general interest books free for visitors to read in the Library or take away with them and return when they are done.
In the coming months, we plan to systematically work through all the feedback we received to see different ways that we can improve the experience. In the meantime, if you haven’t visited, put it on your to-do list! Here’s one final quote (and one of our favourites!) to tempt you:
“The TL Robertson Library is my favourite space on campus because of its unparalleled combination of comfort and quality. I feel a welcoming embrace due to the library’s inviting atmosphere that encourages both focused study and relaxed contemplation. The cozy seating arrangements and warm lighting create an ambience that puts me in the perfect mood for productivity when I am alone or even in a group setting. The reader in me is also grateful for the extensive collection of books and resources catering to every intellectual curiosity. Whether I’m engrossed in a novel, conducting research, or simply seeking a serene corner to unwind, the TL Robertson Library never fails to provide a haven of tranquillity and productivity.”
Written by Claire Murphy, Manager, Learning Success
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