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Phase 2 of the Webster Library is now open — and bathed in natural sunlight

The secret equation? (Quality space + collections) x (vibrant colours + inspiration) = even more Concordia student success
March 3, 2016
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By James Roach


Guylaine Beaudry, university librarian (left), Paula Wood-Adams , dean of Graduate Studies (far right) welcomed students to the opening of the fifth floor of the R. Howard Webster Library. Guylaine Beaudry, university librarian (left), and Paula Wood-Adams, dean of Graduate Studies (far right), welcomed students at the opening of the fifth floor of the R. Howard Webster Library.


Welcome to more study space, natural sunlight, vibrant colours and comfortable seating. No, it’s not a dream — it's the Webster Library Transformation.

The fifth floor of the R. Howard Webster Library opened today at 1:30 p.m. Guylaine Beaudry, university librarian; Paula Wood-Adams, dean of Graduate Studies; and the library team were on hand to welcome student after smiling student. 


Why this transformation?

The Webster Library Transformation will make the 2.2 million visits to Concordia’s libraries (just last year!) an even better experience.

So, if you thought libraries were, well, obsolete — think again... In comparison: Centre Bell, home to our beloved Montreal Canadiens, receives 1.5 million visits per year.


What’s on offer?

For starters, you’ll find 550 additional study spaces.

Once on-site, you can decide if you’d first like to explore your new surroundings, make a beeline to study in one of the three new large reading rooms or settle into the collaborative space.

Need to work on a project with a few classmates? No problem. You can easily book one of five new group-study rooms. Three of the rooms double as librarian-consultations rooms where you can set up a time to speak with a subject librarian.

And … for graduate students?

You get something special, too. Phase 2 delivers three silent dissertation writers’ rooms, shelving and lockers to store your belongings, and a lounge to help break that sense of isolation during marathon writing and research sessions.
 

A student poetry contest celebrates the official opening of Phase 2. This  rendering shows the staircase wraparound that will include directional signage and the three winning poems. A student poetry contest celebrates the official opening of Phase 2. This rendering shows the staircase wraparound that will include directional signage and the three winning poems. | Photo by Concordia


The big picture

The Webster Library Transformation is a carefully conceived and meticulously planned, four-phase, three-year project that launched in January 2015 and is slated to wrap up in late 2017.

The radical rethinking of the library wasn’t limited to space, but extended to its collections, technology and a library team that supported the project every step of the way.

With a total of 12 different types of study space, the transformation accommodates a wide range of student needs — in-line with fostering a culture of research, innovation and collaboration at Concordia, so that you succeed from first year to graduation.

The entire project helps deliver a next-generation education and supports the university’s strategic direction "teach for tomorrow."


Student poetry contest

And, don’t forget to take part in the student poetry contest, in celebration of the opening Phase 2. Concordia's library team wants to know what libraries mean to you!


Visit Phase 1, too

While making your way to, or from, the fifth floor, visit Phase 1 on the third!

It features two enclosed reading rooms, three group-study rooms, a zero-noise room, seminar room, collaboration space and multifunctional room.

Enjoy!


For more photos and to learn more about Concordia's project, read the Webster Library Transformation blog.

 



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