Students share views on Harrison Library Refresh

Discover how the Harrison Library's £1.6 million makeover has transformed your study space! Read on to see what students are saying about the new look, improved facilities, and the positive impact on their study experience.

Over the summer of 2024, the University undertook a refurbishment of Harrison Library, creating a more welcoming and functional space. The refurb included the creation of a Student Centre and a refresh of the ground and third-floor study areas, including the IT suite.

Our goal was to boost library usage and enhance the student study environment.

Over semester one we've been gathering feedback and monitoring engagement, an we're thrilled to be able to share our findings, and next steps. 

How we gathered feedback

To understand the effectiveness of these changes, the library gathered feedback from students through various channels, including a dedicated "Harrison Feedback Day" held in November, and we’re thrilled to share the results.

What we found

• Increased usage: Overall usage of Harrison Library over semester one increased by 11% compared to the same period last year. The third-floor IT suite, a particular focus of the refurbishment, saw a 12% increase in usage.

Student feedback about the look and feel of the space has been very positive and has provides a steer for how we can keep making improvements.

• Positive environment: Students have praised the new look and contemporary feel of the library, noting that it is more welcoming, bright, and spacious. The updated lighting, new carpets, and modern furniture have significantly enhanced the study environment.
• Skills for Learning: The relocation of the Skills Zone to a more visible and accessible location on the ground floor has been well-received and there’s been an increased attendance at sign-up. Find workshops and study support at wlv.ac.uk/skills. 

What students have said

Here are just a few quotes from students reflecting their satisfaction with the refurbished library:

• “It’s amazing - more spacious, more space to sit down and do work etc.”
• "The space is really nice and makes me want to study or look forward to studying in the library with my friends."
• "It is modernised and feels more contemporary. It also feels welcoming and friendly."
• "I like the overall change to the design, new furniture, plants, desks, etc. I am also grateful for the new prayer room.”
• “It looks nice and like more creative space. The upstairs toilets are nicer and cleaner.”
• “The space is much more organised and the separate work spaces with plugs are really handy :)”
• “Good seating, love the lighting and ambiance.”

Areas for improvement

While the feedback has been largely positive, students have also provided valuable suggestions for further improvements. The most common requests include more independent study spaces, additional private study rooms, and better facilities during non-core hours.

Next steps

We are committed to continuously enhancing the student experience at Harrison Library. Based on the feedback received, we are exploring several initiatives, including:

• Providing more independent study spaces across floors 2 and 3.
• Collaborating with the School of Creative Industries to display student artwork and improve wayfinding within the library.
• Implementing temporary storage solutions, such as lockers, for students.
• Refresh group study rooms including modernising the AV solutions and providing more accessible power sockets in these spaces.

The refurbishment of Harrison Library has laid a strong foundation for a modern and student-friendly learning environment. We will continue to engage with our students and make incremental improvements to ensure the library meets their evolving needs.

For more information or to provide additional feedback, please contact the library team at library@wlv.ac.uk.