THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN IS WORKING TOWARDS
WATER SUSTAINABILITY INTO THE FUTURE
UCT

Library renovations receive rave reviews

03 July 2018 | Story Kate-Lyn Moore. Photos Je’nine May. Read time 3 min.
The improved facilities at the Health Sciences Library have medical students studying in style.
The improved facilities at the Health Sciences Library have medical students studying in style.

Health sciences students are studying in style thanks to UCT’s recently renovated Health Sciences Library.

Motivated by a pressing need to upgrade the existing library facilities, the renovation included the creation of an all-important 24/7 study venue within the library.

The resultant space, named the Impilo Junction, seats 60 students. The venue, which is fully air-conditioned and kitted out with audiovisual technologies, can also be used as a training and presentation space.

Library renovations receive rave reviews
Impilo Junction is the new 24/7 study venue, seating up to 60 students.

The upgrade included a revamp to the library entrance.

“A more formal entrance area to the library was created with a distinctive look and feel, and this entrance space also includes an additional consulting space for more complex enquiries,” explained Scott Bonar, project manager of the libraries information systems and resources.

Library renovations receive rave reviews
The entrance to the library was reimagined and includes a new consulting space.

Students will find the library loan desk reduced in size, and relocated to the main reading room, which now houses 16 computers.

The main reading room now houses 16 computers.

 

“Since opening in April, the feedback we have received from staff and students has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are still amazed at how quickly it has been embraced.”

The existing Helen Brown Reading Room was also upgraded. The facility now has new seating, improved lighting and an additional seminar room, which was carved out of an unused alcove.

“Since opening in April, the feedback we have received from staff and students has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are still amazed at how quickly it has been embraced,” said Bonar.

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Cape Town water crisis

Cape Town water crisis



At UCT our researchers have been analysing the causes of the current drought, monitoring water usage on campus and in the city, and looking for ways to save water while there is still time. As part of UCT’s water-saving campaign, all members of the campus community are encouraged to reduce their water use by half, which will help Cape Town to meet its water-use goals and ensure a water-sustainable university in the future.

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