Ceiling-high shelves lined with books and journals, scant lighting, linoleum flooring ... the Chemistry Library had clearly become somewhat of a relic. In the spring of 2024 the decision was finally made to turn the place into a comfortable, modern study hall and lounge. “We wanted it to be a place where students not only read books quietly to themselves, but also engage in other ways of productive studying, both on their own and in groups—a space they enjoy being in,” commented Chemistry Department Chairperson Professor Arne Lützen.
65 individual and group workstations in various configurations: from height-adjustable desks to study booths
The library windows, flooring, technology and lighting have all been redone, but that's not all. By rethinking the space entirely, the library has been adapted to contemporary student needs. “We said goodbye to whole cubic meters of periodicals which were hardly used at all anymore in paper form,” Lützen relates. The changes afforded space to install some 65 individual and group workstations in various configurations including height-adjustable desks, large group tables and armchairs with small side tables. Students who prefer a very quiet environment can retreat to one of the many available study booths: high-backrest sofas that are visually and acoustically more insulated from the rest of the hall.
Six library workstations are PC-equipped, and students can use their own mobile devices as well, with Wi-Fi throughout the library and many power sockets available for charging. A separated group work room with a large monitor can be used by up to 20 people for presentations. And there is a café-style area for students to take refreshment. Accessibility was taken into account in planning the renovation, so barrier-free access is given for those who need it. This will include a toilet for wheelchair users, which is currently being installed.
“The project to transform the library into a modern study space is a major success,” says Professor Klaus Sandmann, Vice Rector for Teaching, Learning and University Development.” Our realizing such an optimal solution within less than a year is indicative of our dedication to teaching and student needs at the University of Bonn.” Professor Sandmann hopes the library will furthermore revitalize the Endenich campus generally, making it a place where students want to spend their time, noting: “More learning spaces like this are going to be created at the University of Bonn going forward.” The Chemistry Department library renovation project will likely be taken as a model for these efforts.
