Imperial invests in air conditioning for the Central Library

young people working at a desk amidst bookshelves

The project represents a substantial investment in the College's academic and student experience.

Student feedback has highlighted problems with temperature control and poor ventilation in the Central Library, and this project seeks to address these issues and improve the working environment.

The capital funding investment from the College will see new cooling and ventilation systems installed in order to improve environmental conditions.

portrait of a woman Chris Banks, Director of Library Services and Assistant Provost (Space), said: “We know that the library continues to be an essential component of student experience, and I’m delighted the College has given the go-ahead for this project. We have carefully planned the project so as to minimise disruption to students as much as possible whilst at the same time delivering some material benefits towards the beginning of the next academic year. Works currently underway are an essential component of this and those will stop entirely in April for the revision and exam period.”

The College’s Estates Development & Projects team are managing the delivery of the construction works. Enabling works commenced in January 2017, and the project is expected to be completed in autumn 2018.

portrait of a man Nas Andriopoulos, President of the Imperial College Union, said: “For several years the Union has been representing students’ views on the library environment to College, and it has been through working with College that the opportunity to improve conditions has come about. Without students raising these issues directly with the Union and through surveys, progress would never have been achieved. It is great to witness the College listening to its students, really understanding their needs and investing in their experience.”

portrait of a woman Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Provost (Education), said: “Imperial’s community of bright, engaged and enthusiastic students is one of its strongest assets. That’s why we are determined to work with them - as partners - to enhance the student experience. This is just one example of the way we are listening to our students, involving them in important decisions, and taking real action to address their concerns.”