Goal 4: Physical Environment

Enrich the total study and campus experience through provision of innovative and welcoming facilities that both stimulate learning and respond to study and research needs.

Provision of study spaces which meet the differing needs of user groups for group and individual study

Hargrave-Andrew Library opening and review

The refurbished Hargrave-Andrew Library was opened on 13 February by Pro Vice-Chancellor and Deputy President of Monash, Professor Stephen Parker, with many faculty and senior Library staff in attendance. One of the features of the new space is the original John Perceval Homage to Lawrence Hargrave artwork, which was restored and installed on the wall in the entranceway of the library.

A review was conducted during June and July to determine the success of the application of the Library’s Facilities Master Plan in the Hargrave-Andrew Library. The deans of the three faculties most closely connected with the branch, Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Science and Engineering, as well as the director of the Monash University Accident Research Centre, were consulted, as were heads of school, academic staff and postgraduate students, via a concise online survey. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with over 100 undergraduate students about the refurbished facility, and Library staff took part in focus group discussions.

Feedback on the refurbished library was extremely positive, with only minor adjustments to furniture and signage required. Most of those surveyed believed the Hargrave-Andrew Library to be easily navigable and user-friendly, and those who had used the facility in the past found the presentation of the library and its resources to be vastly improved by the refurbishment.

Feedback gained as part of this survey will be used to fine-tune the Library’s Facilities Master Plan when considered together with the results of a similar survey conducted in August in the Berwick Library and Learning Commons, the second library branch to be refurbished using the Facilities Master Plan framework and principles.

Artwork in the Library

An important component of the Facilities Master Plan is an objective to feature art, as a result of which the Monash University Museum of Art provides works of art to a number of the branch libraries. The Hargrave-Andrew Library displays a number of key pieces of art that support and complement the geometry and colour of the building and the disciplines studied by its users. Works of art from the Museum’s collection are on display at the Berwick Library and Learning Commons and student artwork is provided on a rotating basis at the Caulfield Library.
 

Berwick Library and Learning Commons opening and review

The first of its kind on a Monash campus, the Berwick Library and Learning Commons combines library services and information technology services and resources with a contemporary, user-friendly learning and teaching environment. Information on loans, resources, services and technology is provided by a combined library and information technology services learning commons team, including specialist staff. During busy periods ‘roaming’ helpers assist users at computer terminals and in study areas. 68 computers are available, including 54 for general use and 10 for training purposes, a self loans unit and 5 ‘express’ computers for quick searches to locate items in the catalogue. There are also two new high volume black and white printers and a colour printer and scanner. An adaptive technology room has been well equipped for users with disabilities, and a group discussion room is available. New modern furniture, a bright, open plan layout, improved signage and wireless access are included in the facility, which is designed in accordance with the Library’s Facilities Master Plan.

The Library and Information Technology Services (ITS) undertook a survey mid year to determine students’ experiences and perceptions of the new Library and Learning Commons. A total of 257 surveys were completed, with 85% of respondents indicating that the integration of the ITS computer laboratories with the library was an improvement. The survey provided insight into user perceptions on roaming help, the combined information desk and computer and printing facilities.

Sir Louis Matheson Library

Funding delays have seen the planned commencement of design and construction of refurbishment works moved to 2007. The Library has worked throughout 2006 preparing the collection for reorganisation when construction begins.

Pharmacy Library

Planning and design works continued for refurbishment of the Pharmacy Library. Planning for the move of the library to a temporary space for the duration of 2007 also occurred.

Improving the student computing environment

The student computing environment was improved by replacing all monitors with flat screen monitors and installing flatbed scanners which were requested by the Monash Postgraduate Association. An extra 55 computers were installed at the Caulfield Library with another 240 new computers added across the other library branches. The self loans machines were replaced at Caulfield and Hargrave-Andrew Libraries and new self loans machines were installed at the Berwick Library and Learning Commons, the Pharmacy Library and the Sir Louis Matheson Library.

Provision of reliable high quality physical libraries, technology and workstations

A standard computer environment and photocopy system for Gippsland campus

The Gippsland Library computing environment changed late in 2006 to the standard operating environment, including printing and photocopying. The existing copy card system in use at Gippsland Library was replaced by the system in use at other branch libraries, which is now used by all photocopiers on Gippsland campus including the photocopier at campus reception and in the Gippsland Centre for Art and Design. Under the new system, credit is loaded onto a Monash student identification card or photocopy card at the card cashier machine. This system is used for printing in all library branches in Victoria, and credits can be used at any campus.

Provision of a secure and safe environment

University Security is in the process of upgrading security services across all campuses and the Library is working closely with project staff to exploit the wider services that will be offered. As opportunities arise, shelving and furniture layouts are being changed to open up areas to provide a safer and more secure environment. Planning has also commenced to provide security training for Library Attendants.

Provision of facilities for people with special needs

Adaptive Technology Rooms are now operational in seven library branches including Berwick. Computers, scanners, printers and software have been upgraded and replaced in all of the Adaptive Technology Rooms.

Services provided by the Library for students with disabilities include retrieval of books from the collections, arranging intercampus and inter-library loans, and personal assistance with use of adaptive technology equipment. Resting Room services provided in the Sir Louis Matheson Library received a boost with new furniture and redecoration.

Provision of responsive hours of opening

A review of opening hours at all branches resulted in a number of minor changes and a small increase in hours overall. The changes were designed to better meet users’ needs, improve the Library service offer and assist communication by reducing variation in opening hours across the University. The 2005 Library user survey, student submissions and usage surveys conducted at the Caulfield and Pharmacy Libraries informed the review.

Following trials in 2006, in 2007 the three libraries on the Clayton campus will standardise weekday opening hours all year and closing times during mid year vacation. Extended weekend opening for exam study will increase from 3 to 4 weekends.

• Caulfield Library will standardise weekday opening all year and closing in the long vacation.
• Peninsula Library will increase Sunday opening in summer semester and Sunday hours during exam periods. Reflecting changes in usage patterns from Saturdays to Sundays, the library will be closed on Saturdays during the summer semester.
• Pharmacy will open earlier during semester to accommodate increasing numbers of students attending early classes.
• Gippsland Library will standardise Sunday opening hours during weekend schools.

Evaluation in 2007 will include analysis of user survey results and door statistics.

Berwick Library and Learning Commons

Launch of Berwick Library and Learning Commons, May 2006. Janette Burke, Director, Information Systems for the Library, Prof Stephen Parker Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Margo Hellyer, Director, Client Services for ITS, Prof. Phillip Steele, Academic Director, Berwick