Help Shape the Future of the Library: Join Our Creative Hackathon
What does the library mean to you?
For some people, the library is a place to study, research and find resources. For others, it is a place to meet people, feel inspired, belong or discover something new.
As higher education changes, we are inviting students and staff to help us think about what the library could be in the future.
On Thursday 8 October, we are holding a creative hackathon. Members of the university community will come together to explore the future role of the library and how it can support students.
Get Involved
We are looking for volunteers from across the university to join this half-day event.
Date: Thursday 8 October
Time: 1.00pm to 6.00pm
Location: Templeman Library (A108)
What is a hackathon?
This will not be a typical consultation or focus group. Instead, you will take part in creative group activities that encourage discussion, new ideas and different views on what the library means to our community.
Together, we will create things that will be displayed in the Templeman Library. This will help to showcase and share the voices, experiences and aspirations of our university community.
The Big Question
During the session, we will explore one main question:
What could the library become, and what role should it play in the future student experience?
We will also think about questions such as:
- What does the library mean to you today?
- How has the library supported you during university?
- What makes a space feel welcoming and inclusive?
- How could the library become a more creative, connected and collaborative place?
- How could the library support people beyond study and access to resources?
You do not need any creative experience. We are interested in your ideas, experiences and views—not your artistic skills.
Who Can Take Part?
We welcome volunteers from across the university community, including:
- Undergraduate students
- Postgraduate students
- Academic staff
- Professional services staff
- Library users and other members of the university community
We especially want to hear from people with different experiences. This includes regular library users and people who do not currently feel that the library is a space for them.
Why Are We Doing This?
The event will help us:
- Give students and staff a chance to shape conversations about the library’s future.
- Understand how different groups use and experience library spaces.
- Explore how libraries can support belonging, creativity and involvement.
- Create work that reflects a range of voices and experiences.
- Start a wider conversation about how university libraries can support learning, community and student success.
Volunteer and Share Your Voice
The future of the library should be shaped by the people who use it. Whether you visit often, only sometimes, or are simply interested in what libraries could become, we would love you to join us.
Come along, share your experiences, work with others and help imagine the future of the Templeman Library.
Sign up here