University library wins prestigious design award

The University of Birmingham's main library has been given the 2019 Society of College, National and University Libraries Award for Design. Showcasing the very best in recent academic library building, the award for Best Medium-Large Library 2016-19 commended the building for its transformational vision and innovative design. The new library offered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a paradigm shift in how library services could support the University's mission. The development signified a shift from physical to virtual, a solely undergraduate focus, to one more supportive of research, as well as the crucial movement from print to digital. Director of Library Services Diane Job said: "We are incredibly proud of our library and the positive impact it has made to students and staff at the University of Birmingham. It is a real pleasure to have accepted this award on behalf of the many people involved in making this complex project into a reality." Associated Architects (AA) designed the library, which opened in 2016. AA Director Warren Jukes said: "We are immensely proud to win the SCONUL Large Library Design award for the second time.