James Joyce Library transformed as Level 3 reopens after ambitious refurbishment
Posted 14 September, 2023
The refurbishment of the third level of the James Joyce Library (JJL) has been completed and is now open to students.
The ambitious project represents the largest investment in the JJL since the construction of the building in the 1970s and 1980s.
The refurbishment was designed to meet the modern needs of students and researchers, and now offers 535 formal and informal student learning spaces in a contemporary, uplifting and light-filled setting.
“As an undergraduate, I studied on Level 3 of the James Joyce Library. Now, as University Librarian, I am so proud to see the remarkable transformation of the space,” said Dr Sandra Collins, UCD Librarian.
“We’ve worked closely with UCD Estates Services and architects Reddy Architecture + Urbanism throughout, and in partnership with our student body, to offer them an inspirational 21st century space aligned with their needs.
“As we continue the redevelopment of the James Joyce Library, we look forward to building on all the work so far.”
Alongside new learning spaces, enhanced welfare facilities, including accessible and gender-neutral bathrooms, and water stations, the Level 3 Refurbishment features different kinds of spaces and rooms, designed to meet a range of needs, including:
- A variety of comfortable seats and tables in different configurations
- Power and data for a range of devices at each study desk.
- Silent study zones.
- Seating at windows, maximising views and access to natural light.
- A bookable sensory study room, designed to support students with sensory needs.
- A transitional space for students with sensory needs, where they can withdraw, decompress and re-engage when ready.
- Display wall adjacent to social gathering space.
- ‘Zoom rooms’ for online meetings.
- Free charging stations for laptops and mobile phones.
- Copying and printing facilities
- Green plants throughout.
- All signs and other text are dual language, in Irish and English.
This week in (opens in a new window)@ucddublin saw the opening of the transformed third floor of (opens in a new window)@UCDLibrary, and we are so looking forward to seeing it full of students. Congrats to (opens in a new window)@SandriCollins and the library leadership team as they now take the transformation project to its next exciting phase. (opens in a new window)pic.twitter.com/WY1esLoyUq
— Orla Feely (@OrlaFeely) (opens in a new window)September 10, 2023
Pillar 2 of UCD Library’s strategy, ‘Enhancing the Learning Experience and Empowering Students’ and Pillar 3, ‘Creating an inclusive Library for All’ underpin the approach taken to the design throughout.
The architects behind the refurbishment were Reddy Architecture + Urbanism, and the construction began earlier this year.
While the work was underway alternative study spaces were made available on Level 1, 2 and 4 of the JJL.
By: David Kearns, Digital Journalist / Media Officer, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
