UL Glucksman Library Doubles in Size with Launch of Bold New library Building

David Cronin, CEO of the UL Foundation, Dr. Mary Shire as Vice President Research, Mary Harney, Chancellor of the University of Limerick, Loretta Brennan Glucksman and Professor Desmond Fitzgerald, President UL at the unveiling of the new UL Glucksman Library. Picture: Sean Curtin/True Media.

UL Glucksman Library Doubles in Size with Launch of Bold New library Building

University of Limerick today unveiled the new UL Glucksman Library, which has now doubled in size and capacity having added an extra 7,600 sq. meters to the original library building.  The New Glucksman Library now includes a range of world-class innovations in book storage and retrieval, digital research, accessibility and ‘inspirational learning spaces’.  One stand out feature is the ARC (Automated Reserve Collection) – a 10-meter high book vault and robotic crane, with the capacity to store 500,000 volumes in a space 1/9th of conventional shelving, which will see UL’s historic collections, currently housed off-site, returned to campus.

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Speaking at the launch, UL President Dr. Des Fitzgerald said: ‘The new Library is an engaging and creative space for learning and research at the heart of the campus. Leveraging UL’s tradition for innovation the library is technology–rich with advanced computing, collaboration and communication space alongside traditional scholarly areas.’ 
The library, one of the busiest places on campus, will now provide 2,200 study spaces and a range of specialist zones to meet the changing needs of UL students and researchers.  

The building was designed by RKD Architects, led by Denis Bretherton.

It features a Law Library and Appellate Court and a Medical and Health Sciences Library. There are discrete spaces for postgraduate and faculty study, group study and exhibition spaces. Other bespoke areas include a Digital Scholarship Centre, Social Learning Spaces, and an Assistive Technology Centre.

UL Chancellor Mary Harney described the New Glucksman Library as an exciting development for the Mid West region, especially as UL nears its 30th anniversary as a university.

22/06/18 REPRO FREE
University of Limerick unveiled the new UL Glucksman Library, which now includes a range of world class innovations in book storage and retrieval, digital research, accessibility and ‘inspirational learning spaces’. Pic Sean Curtin True Media

The new building is named for the Glucksman family, longtime supporters of the university and in particular the UL library development. Speaking at the event Loretta Brennan Glucksman praised the building’s progressive design and its focus on the future needs of students. 

‘There is simply no substitute for an extensive collection of accumulated knowledge in books, essays, periodicals and other academic resources,’ she said.  ‘The development of the ARC will provide an additional capacity of 500,000 volumes that are readily accessible to library users. Unique and distinctive archives and special collections are increasing in importance as a basis for research and as distinguishing features of the university.  The new facility provides UL with additional space for 100,000 volumes in environmentally controlled storage, which will allow UL to grow its holding of manuscripts and rare book items.’

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