The University of Tasmania has been recognised for having the best designed academic library in the country.
Inveresk library, which forms part of the University’s new, central campus precinct in Launceston, was announced as a winner in this year’s Australian Library Design Awards on Wednesday, 8 May.
The building was the stand-out winning entry in the ‘academic library’ category for ‘reimagining’ the traditional concept of a library and delivering a ‘vibrant hub for learning, collaboration, and cultural exchange’.
Judges also commended Inveresk library for exemplifying the ‘transformative power of architecture’ to ‘foster a sense of belonging and discovery,’ while ‘inspiring, engaging, and enriching’ the community it serves.
The awards are presented annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) to showcase and celebrate the investment in libraries around the country. Entries are assessed on design, strategic relevance and impact.
Debra Wilson, Manager Library Resources and Services said while the library team had submitted the winning entry, the achievement was the collective success of everyone who had helped bring the space to life.
“Our team is so proud Inveresk library has been recognised with this national title. It’s a win for everyone who helped shape the building design and deliver these wonderful contemporary spaces that are now being enjoyed,” Deb said.
Inveresk library was delivered through the Northern Transformation Program – a partnership between the University and Local, State and Federal Governments as part of the Launceston City Deal to make education more accessible.
Since opening in 2022, the building has welcomed more than 120,000 students, staff and community and industry visitors for teaching and learning activities, meetings, and a vibrant program of events.
Set across three levels, it has modern learning facilities, extensive academic and cultural collections and places where people can study and connect. Members of the public can also sign up and borrow books from the library for free or enjoy Loose Goose cafe on the ground floor.
Staff from multiple teams on-site assist students in areas like study information, digital and research literacies and academic skills, while artwork and cultural objects created by local artists, and from the University’s cultural collections, adorn the building.
Caine Chennatt, Director Curatorial and Cultural Collections and Acting University Librarian, said the library, at the heart of the Inveresk campus, served as a welcoming and inclusive front door to the University for the Launceston community.
“Inveresk library looks to an exciting future by evolving the traditional library concept in a way that ensures everyone can feel welcome and supported here,” Caine said.
“The space brings together students, staff, community and industry in a central, dynamic and inclusive learning destination which encourages the discovery of new knowledges, the exchange of ideas, innovation and in-person connections.
"To have the country’s best academic library here is a testimony to how the project team and many Launceston communities co-designed this space working collaboratively at the speed of trust."
Architects Wardle designed the building alongside more than 150 students, staff and community, and in consideration of the surrounding environment.
Vos Construction led the build with carbon reduction methods and materials prioritised, including repurposing steel gas pipelines into structural piles, the integration of atrium skylights and solar initiatives that maximise natural light and energy, and the use of Tasmanian timber for its carbon sequestration capacity.
