York’s libraries to see more changes over the year
Samantha Osaduke
Staff Writer
@excalweb
The Scott Library Learning Commons recently won an accolade in interior design.
The 2011 Design Exchange Awards, which focuses specially on Canadian interior designing, provided an honourable mention in the commercial category to York, which was one of two post-secondary spaces to receive recognition in the category.
The renovation itself was noted for incorporating accessibility, flexibility, and the use of natural daylight instead of relying on electric lighting.
The library’s construction was also praised for its use of natural products and low-emission materials.
“We were influenced by innovative library renovations at other schools in North America and beyond, as well as by many focus groups and interviews we did with York students,” says Mark Robertson, associate university librarian.
The Scott Learning Commons, which opened October 2010, was transformed with an emphasis on social learning. The renovation of the 40-year-old building reduced the energy footprint, but Robertson feels there can always be improvements.
“We have a long way to go to catch up to the size of the campus,” he says. “However, this renovation helped matters significantly.”
Robertson says the renovation opened up 9,000 square feet that was previously not accessible to the public.
“Students flock to these new spaces,” says Robertson, noting that students working in the renovated spaces have expressed enthusiasm for the quality of the space.
In the meantime, Scott Library is continuing with its second phase of renovations, which will include more areas for computing and quiet study rooms. There will also be a central location for workshops on academic skills, as well as cultural and civic programming.
While the firm design for the second phase remains unclear, York is working hard to make it a reality.
“It is too early to determine if and who might be brought in to help with design,” says Robertson. “We do not yet have a timeline for [the] completion of phase two because we have not yet obtained funding.
They will, however, be starting on preliminary staging work this spring that will lay the groundwork for phase two.
“We want to be ready to roll as soon as funding is secured,” he says.
In addition to the second phase of the Learning Commons, Scott Library will be opening a new silent reading room on the fourth floor, which will add approximately 80 new student study seats. The Frost Library at Glendon campus will also be seeing some changes during the summer, as a section of the reading room will be undergoing renovations as well.
