Short News
Fewer shelves, but no less content - space created for change in the university library
Long rows of shelves with dusty books and desks with individual workstations characterized the image of the library for a long time. But digitalization, sustainability, new teaching formats and modern working environments are also bringing many changes to the library sector. So what does a library of the 21st century look like? What must it be able to do? What does transformation mean? Linda Thomas, Head Librarian, presents her ideas for a modern university library in the “Otto ist Transformation” campaign by city marketing organization “Pro Magdeburg e.V.”.
Our library is also facing major transformations. For a good year and a half, users have been experiencing the changes up close day after day - hammering, sawing, sanding, erecting and dismantling scaffolding, moving furniture back and forth. “The building project will officially last until October,” says Linda Thomas, but she also knows that some of the remaining work, including parquet work, could take until the end of the year. Most of the new and modern furniture is already on site, but is not yet usable, as carpenters, electricians and steelworkers are still carrying out finishing work in a number of areas.
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| There are many individual and group workstations to make you feel at home. | The last shelving systems are currently being dismantled. |
For example, three of the new room-in-room systems on the second floor currently still have a walk-on roof. In future, the individual and group work rooms will also be bookable from home. The last shelves are currently being dismantled and desks are being moved around the building and then reconnected. So there is still a lot going on in the university library. “We are in the final spurt, but we still need a little patience,” Linda Thomas asks for understanding. “Just because something looks finished doesn't necessarily mean it's finished, which is why some areas are unfortunately still closed for use. However, as soon as areas are finally finished, they will be put into use wherever possible,” assures Linda Thomas.
Photos: Hannah Theile and Anna Friese