UPEI kicks off fundraising campaign to revitalize its library

The University of Prince Edward Island is launching a $15 million fundraising campaign to give its 49-year-old Robertson Library a facelift.

The aging library will be renovated to create a variety of different spaces to meet student needs, says UPEI's university librarian.

"I think students are looking for respite by times, and the library can provide that," Donald Moses told host Mitch Cormier on Island Morning. 

The revitalization will include an expansion of the special collections space, as well as creating a cafe-style area and spaces suited to group work.

An image showing what the library's new individual study pods will look like as part of the revitalization plans. (Submitted by UPEI)

The nature of student work has changed, said Moses.

"We're providing a space and resources for them to accomplish those new tasks," he said.

Changes will also include simple things such as adding more outlets for students to plug in their devices, as well as adjustable lighting and soundproofing in some areas.

Over the years the library staff has had to be creative in adapting the space to fit students' needs, said Simon Lloyd, UPEI's archivist and special collections librarian.

"There are times when it feels like a bit of a concrete box," Lloyd told Cormier.

"But at the same time, I think we have been really collaborative and innovative over the years in making the absolute best use of every square inch of this box that we can."

The library currently includes a Collaboratory for creating digital works.

Lloyd said despite the focus on digital technology, the library is still committed to preserving books and periodicals.

"There is still that imperative, that mandate to preserve the physical — where that is the original form," he said.