Making space for innovation in research libraries
Research libraries are increasingly rethinking how they manage and develop their physical spaces in order to support innovation, collaboration, and new forms of research and learning. At a time of significant financial pressure across the higher education sector, libraries are exploring creative ways to make the most of existing infrastructure while responding to evolving user needs.
This event brings together speakers from research libraries and beyond who share insights into how space planning and management can enable innovation, from creating flexible learning environments and collaborative research spaces to supporting digital scholarship and community engagement. By sharing experiences and lessons learned, this session aims to foster discussion around practical strategies for managing library space effectively while continuing to support innovation in a challenging economic climate.
🔹 The Senate House MakerSpace: Institute of Classical Studies and Senate House Libraries
Gabriel Bodard, Reader in Digital Classics, Institute of Classical Studies, University of London
The Senate House MakerSpace was set up four years ago as a joint venture of Digital Humanities, Classics, English, and several other SAS Institutes, as well as Senate House Library, to provide space for collaborative working, training and experimentation between researchers, students and outside practitioners. The MakerSpace is now managed by the Digital Humanities Research Hub, but is widely use for 3D imaging, 3D printing, experimental archaeology, legacy printing press work and other both digital and analogue crafts. In particular several fruitful collaborations with Senate House Library, the Hellenic and Roman Library of the ICS, and the British Museum have shown the value of this mixed use space.
Gabriel Bodard is Reader in Digital Classics at the Digital Humanities Research Hub and the Institute of Classical Studies at the University of London. He specialises in text encoding for epigraphy and papyrology, linked open data for prosopography and geography, 3D imaging and modelling of cultural heritage, and ancient magic.
Ewan Grant, Information Consultant, University of Aberdeen Library
Ewan will briefly consider previous collaborative space planning at the University of Aberdeen Library before moving on to discuss current plans that are operating at a university-wide level. These latest plans aim for a holistic approach in which all spaces across our campuses are being investigated to address changing teaching, study and social needs. Space planning approaches, be they big or small, will be covered and their respective merits considered.
Ewan Grant is based at the stunning Sir Duncan Rice Library and is the subject librarian for arts & humanities, while also leading on customer experience. He has worked in various roles at Aberdeen for over 20 years, all of which have had users at their core, be that teaching information literacy, managing the enquiry service, or considering new ways in which our library spaces can best meet the changing needs of our different users.
About RLUK’s Space Programme
This meeting is part of RLUK’s Space Programme, a series of events and resources to explore and support its members around spatial redesign and capital-build projects. The programme provides a forum through which colleagues can share their knowledge and experience in a collegiate and supportive environment. Watch previous RLUK Space Programme events here.
