THE University of Chester is carrying out the final phase of £700,000 improvements at its Seaborne Library on the main Parkgate Road campus.
The previous two years of the programme have greatly enhanced facilities within the library, providing increased room for group work and social learning and 24/7 provision for students through greater access to computers.
In addition, there are now bookable spaces for students to create podcasts, view media and edit video.
University bosses say this third, and most significant, phase will ‘bring a whole new look and user experience to the entrance floor and reading room’.
The reading room is being completely redecorated, which includes a new ceiling, improved lighting, and a more user-friendly layout of shelving. Wi-Fi access is also being upgraded throughout the area.
The entrance floor is also being redecorated, with improvements being made to the ceiling and lighting. The helpdesk is being relocated and five small study rooms, with audio visual equipment added to this floor, as well as a multi-purpose computer room and open access computers.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has also been introduced to help automate a number of tasks. It allows users to borrow and return books without the need to queue at the counter.
The adjoining Allen Building has also been re-roofed as part of routine maintenance carried out over the summer.
