Our refurbishment project is beginning to show very real results in terms of improved user experience; new study spaces, improved access, improved lighting and furnishings, etc.  The project is now approaching its final, but most intrusive, phase and we expect to spend much time over the coming months ensuring that the impact on our users is kept to a minimum. We are hoping to finish the project in the late spring.

RFID and shelving
Most technical problems with our RFID returns sorter were resolved by the beginning of October and we were able to implement our new shelving procedures for the Autumn Term.  Despite being involved in carrying out significant book moves, over 600,000 in the last six months, staff have managed to maintain the planned ‘continuous flow’ without significant backlogs developing.  

Room booking
The Library’s refurbished study rooms incorporate the Sentry ISIS secure room booking system. This makes it possible to book study rooms online. If a room is available, users can also make an immediate booking at the door using their Library card.

Sussex Research Hive and scholars
The Sussex Research Hive is the Library's new designated area for researchers, open to all doctoral students and research staff. It provides private study areas, bookable meeting rooms and space for informal discussion and collaborative work.
Three Research Hive Scholars have been appointed using Roberts Funding to support the new area and to actively engage with and foster the research community at Sussex. The Scholars are on hand in the Hive to talk about the support available to researchers and to find out what users want from their research community.

Gift from SAGE publications
The academic and professional publisher SAGE made a gift to the University of Sussex Library to help support the Research Support programme developed by the library. The gift will help support various aspects of the programme, which also includes three annual scholarships for researchers, a seminar series, an international education conference and the new Research Hive space.


S Faith, A Hale, J Harvell