UCD School of Business Library
Located on UCD’s Blackrock Campus, this sensitive conversion of the former chapel, built in 1894, has provided the School of Business with a state-of-the-art learning environment appropriate to its position as a leading business education institution.
The new library demonstrates, in a tangible way, the aspirations of a learning community seeking to be at the forefront of management knowledge. The generous private donation to transform the original chapel into a fully equipped library included funding to access print and on-line periodicals. This new facility will play a pivotal role in elevating the research agenda of the UCD College of Business and Law and the university as a whole.
The library houses a collection of 15,000 books, 4,000 theses, plus an extensive collection of reports and related items. It is fully networked and wireless enabled utilising the latest communication and information technologies.
Building Description
The year-long conversion project, carried out by architects Fitzgerald Kavanagh and Partners was completed in January 2007. This involved the restoration and redecoration of many of the chapel’s original features including retention of stained-glass windows, oak floors and ornate plasterwork as well as the creation of a mezzanine floor, seminar rooms and access for people with disabilities.
The result is a bright, open and contemplative space ideally suited to its new function. This facility was designed specifically with the needs of postgraduate students in mind. The 150 large study desks are arranged in small clusters to facilitate project work and feature power and data points and individual reading lamps. Students can also book time in the two collaborative study rooms located on either side of what was originally the nave of the chapel.
Contact
John Steele
Assistant Librarian
UCD School of Business Library
e: john.steele@ucd.ie
