Goal 6: Providing a rich learning environment for users

'Facilities Master Plan'

In partnership with the university's Facilities Services Division, the library commissioned a facilities master plan to improve the overall planning framework for development of the university's library facilities in order to improve their functionality, environment and overall consistency.

It was agreed that the facilities master planning process would include four stages: a statement of design and functionality principles; an audit of existing facilities against these principles; refurbishment plans for each library; and, refurbishment works themselves.

The report on stages one and two of the process is expected in early 2003.

Caulfield Library expansion

In response to a marked increase in demand on the Caulfield Library improvements were undertaken or commenced in 2002. The staffing component was increased, and staff are now dedicated to the library (instead of being shared with Peninsula, Berwick and Gippsland libraries). The number of student access computers was increased from 48 to 60. A wireless LAN was installed to provide better services to students with laptop computers. The middle level of the library is being upgraded to provide better quality, more flexible seating and work areas, and expanded computer facilities. Opening hours will be increased in 2003.

Matheson Library postgraduate room

Work commenced on an upgrade of the Postgraduate Room of the Matheson Library  to make it more functional and pleasant to work in. The furniture will upgraded, a new layout has been designed and the walls will be repainted before commencement of first semester in 2003.

'Wireless-Net'

The library supported the university's strategy to install wireless local area networks across all sites. The wireless-net was installed in the Matheson Library basement, ground floor and west reading room, and at the Caulfield Library, level 3. The wireless-net enables students with laptops to access the Monash network. The use of the wireless-net will be monitored and reviewed in 2003 before further installations take place.

Hargrave-Andrew Library extension

An extension to the Hargrave-Andrew Library was completed in July 2003 in time for the start of second semester. The completion of the extension allowed for the older volumes of journals housed in the Biomedical Annexe and those journals that had previously been transferred to the Matheson Store to be returned to Hargrave-Andrew and incorporated into a single serial sequence. The Biomedical Annexe was cleared and the space returned to the faculty. A new entry and foyer was created and the library conference room extended and refurbished.

More than forty new study places were also created. Plans for 2003 include a lift for the new entrance area to join the ground and first floor and facilitate disabled access to the library.