Introduction

University estates strategy takes a long-term view of an institution's mission, size and shape. The library, as an estate asset, generally evolves with the wider institutional strategy unless it is funded by an endowment which enables it to be discrete. Balancing the needs of current and future stakeholders is a delicate dance, as current users will want to see some benefit from enduring disruptions such as noise or displacement. Building flexibility into the design to enable spaces to expand or contract over time is an obvious solution, although this is easier said than done. But once we have built it, whether a new-build or a refurbishment, we need to continually check with the ‘sitting’ stakeholders to ensure that the spaces are fit for the current purpose while keeping an eye on the future. Continually is the operative word here, as stakeholders, space needs and institutional strategy change over time.

As the Director of the University of East London (UEL) Library, Archives and Learning Services (LALS), I have responsibility for service delivery within two modern buildings located on two out of the three UEL campus sites in East London. My team and I work with the estates projects team for any refurbishments or new buildings and the facilities management team for day-to-day operations, maintenance and security. Although the estates teams know how the library buildings are erected and maintained, my team and I know how the spaces within are used, which does not always mirror the intent of the design or programme of works. Prior to joining UEL, I worked at other London institutions where I had similar building responsibilities and worked with architects, designers, construction engineers, project managers, estates and facilities staff and cross-institutional stakeholders, including students and staff, to design, build and deliver spaces. One of my favourite past roles involved working on tenders for access-control systems, managed printing services, outsourced facilities services and general contract management.