CULTIVATING INNOVATION & INSPIRATION
Labelled as the “next chapter of academic excellence” Western Sydney University Parramatta South Campus will be undergoing expansive renovations on Whitlam Library. These renovations will create a means of positioning the library as not only a hub for studies but a beacon of transformation, community collaboration and inspiration for Western students and the Western Sydney community overall.
According to the Western Sydney University “Library of the Future Official Project Website”, they express how Whitlam library has consistently cultivated a “space for learning, reflection and collaboration”. To better understand how this renovation will continue to support its core purposes while creating a space for change, Western Sydney University launched the Library Reimagined Project in 2022.
Library of the Future Project Symbol, Western Sydney University Library of the Future Webpage
https://libraryofthefuture.blog/2023/07/28/preparing-our-collections/
This initiative brought together ideas from academics, library staff, and both undergraduate and postgraduate students in a collaborative partnership in order to collect day-to-day insights of people engaging within Whitlam Library. The project alongside the Library of the Future Renovations was able to create further understanding in what could be done to better the experience of the library as a whole. Through this collaboration, the Library of the Future Project plans to facilitate, a “versatile, inspiring and contemporary space that will convey the library a sense of excellence”. As further explained within the websites statement, “this renovation aims to create a vibrant space where culture, ideas, and life can thrive, positioning the library as the heart of the campus”
The university has engaged with MBM Consultants, who have provided cost planning and estimating services throughout the project. According to MBM within their Western Sydney University Renovations Website Statement, these renovations include a primary focus of a “re-orientation of the existing library access point and functionality”.
This statement of renovation continues by the MBM where they state these changes will enable “stronger alignment with the light rail transport system for a better student and public experience when visiting the library via public transport” as well as facilitate “collaboration and contemporary exhibition spaces are being prioritised over shelf space”. This direction is aimed to transform Whitlam library into an oasis of meaningful community connections and academic excellence.
Whitlam Library, Parramatta South before the commencement of works. Western Sydney University Library of Future Webpage
https://libraryofthefuture.blog/2023/07/24/welcome-to-the-library-of-the-future/
CORE VISION MODELS AND RENOVATIONS
The university has highlighted six core models of transformation within the Library of the Future Project. These include the following refurbishments:
Versatile and Inspiring Environment: The creation of study spaces, student kitchenette, recording rooms, scholarly hub and an art exhibition space to facilitate inspiration. This aims to support different varieties of learning, community activities and everyday life and wellbeing to occur.
Inclusivity and Accessibility: Creating a welcoming space for all students and staff. This will include low shelving and more open spaces, ensuring accessibility inclusions and connections within both indoor and outdoor study areas.
Indigenous Engagement: To support Western’s commitment to the University’s Indigenous Strategy, the library will reflect Indigenous communities and provide a space where Indigenous voices and knowledge are amplified within the library setting. This facilitation will ensure the University’s Indigenous communities will continue to be visible, creating a space of accessibility and inclusivity for all.
Community: Through these renovations, the library will facilitate authentic connections and knowledge sharing between academics and industry professionals within research at Western. The renovations will create opportunities for networking and peer engagement in the scholarly hub, exhibition spaces, facilitation of further research from academic staff. Nearby cafés maintain an area for the library to be seen as not only the heart of the campus but also the formation of bringing the University and the wider community together harmoniously.
Technology-Rich Environment: The library will be a technology-rich hub for scholarly engagement, fostering flexibility, collaboration, and accessibility. This includes the application of sleeping pods, self-directed lighting options, media/lab zones with noise cancelling headphones, Zoom enabled technology rooms and interactive white boards.
Sustainable Design: Finally, as a dedication to the University’s sustainability strategy and Green Building Council of Australia’s standards, the new design will celebrate the site’s connection to the landscape by creating more ‘green’ spaces both inside and out. This enhances user experience within the library, maintains well-being and embeds an understanding of place.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT (2024-2025)
According to Fiona Salisbury, Executive Director of the Library services, in terms of the Whitlam Library, “the latest update is that the refurbishment of the library is expected to start in mid-2025″.
Salisbury explains they are “in the process of updating the Library of the Future webpage about this change and in the lead up to the closure next year we will keep students posted about arrangements while the library is closed.”
Some information that The Library of the Future Webpage states that is that Whitlam library “has started to relocate 70,000 items has had a temporary home at Western’s John Phillips Penrith campus library since mid-2024 and will continue to until mid-2025”. However, the webpage advises that “students and staff can continue to request any reading materials to be sent to alternate campuses” and that “obtaining material from Whitlam library collection points will continue as normal”.
For more information about your on-campus library, click here and for further information on how to request Library material to your desired Western Library, it can be found here.
Whitlam Library Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University Virtual Tour. WSU.
https://wsulib360.com/libvr/PAR/embed.html
