Renovations at the SuUB: A Learning Space with a Feel-Good Atmosphere
Over the past three months, significant changes have been made at the State and University Library Bremen (SuUB). The entrance area on Level 1 has been renovated and now features a new counter and cozy seating areas. Future plans aim to further enhance the library to provide users with a comfortable and inviting learning environment.
In mid-February of this year, renovations began at the SuUB on the boulevard of the University of Bremen. The more than 20-year-old, partially defective and outdated counters were completely demolished and replaced with a new counter featuring three stations for lending services, information dissemination, and consultation. The reduction to two information desks and one lending station was made due to the lower daily business at the counter. Katrin Kabitzke, Head of Information and Consultation Services at SuUB, explained that the availability of many e-books has led to fewer physical loans, and that inquiries have partly shifted from the counter to email, social media channels, and the online catalog.
The removal of the old, oversized counters has created space for comfortable seating areas. Armchairs, sofas, and workstations are intended to invite users to stay and work, while a sound-absorbing carpet and improved lighting complete the new room concept. Additionally, two printers and a scanner have been relocated to this area, transforming the former copy room on Level 1 into a training and learning space.
The renovations, funded from the SuUB’s reserves, have not only visually enhanced the area but also offer many benefits for SuUB users and staff. Height-adjustable counter workstations create more comfortable working conditions, and the spatial grouping of information and lending counters in one place allows for better mutual support. SuUB users can enjoy shorter distances and clearer orientation. New, height-adjustable self-checkout machines can now be used barrier-free, and the new furniture is intended to enrich the time spent in the library.
Overall, there is a strong effort to continuously improve the SuUB and enhance the quality of stay. According to Katrin Kabitzke, it is not just a book lending house in the traditional sense, but a learning space that should offer different scenarios for various learning types and places to rejuvenate. In line with this, a two-day workshop with students and lectures of the University of Bremen has already taken place, and users will continue to be involved in future planning. Ideas for renovations on Level 4, including the rooftop terrace, are already being discussed, and it will be exciting to see what changes will happen in the library in the coming years.
