Excitement is building at USQ Fraser Coast this week with construction just days away from commencing on the University's new $800,000 library.
USQ Fraser Coast Executive Manager Brett Langabeer announced that local company Win Constructions Queensland had won the tender for the USQ library renovation.
Mr Langabeer said over the past few months USQ Fraser Coast management had been working with colleagues in Toowoomba and GHD Architecture to finalise detailed planning for the new-look library and bookshop.
“The documentation phase of the project was completed before Christmas," Mr Langabeer said.
"The tendering and procurement phase was initiated late December and closed in January. I am now pleased to advise the successful contractor, Win Constructions Qld, will start work on Monday, March 25, and finish in late May.”
The total project is valued in excess of $800,000. Of that, about half will go towards the library’s construction and the remainder towards state-of-the-art technology, furniture and fittings.
USQ would be working closely with the two other key stakeholders – Win Constructions Qld and Fraser Coast Regional Council – to ensure the best possible outcome for students, the local community.
“Resources and study areas in the new library will appeal not only to USQ students but also to high school students throughout the region who are seeking a wider range of resources and technology.”
Win Constructions Qld Chairman Glen Winney said he was excited about the project and grateful to USQ for selecting a local contractor.
“Physical work on the site starts this Monday (March 25). We look forward to working with USQ and the council to deliver a successful project.”
Fraser Coast Mayor Gerard O’Connell said it was fantastic that USQ was investing in the Fraser Coast.
“This is a much needed facility and will help students to greater heights.”
Innovative technology, resources and merchandise will be available to USQ Fraser Coast students 24/7 when the new USQ library opens in the former Hervey Bay Regional Gallery space.
Mr Langabeer said key features of the new library included flexible spaces for student-centric activities and 24/7 access.
The new library will include a range of group and individual learning and study spaces coupled with a new-look USQ bookshop offering a range of texts and merchandise.
The 476.7m2 floor space will be divided into areas for 84 lockable collection bays, two study booths, a collaborative training room, quiet study room, student services careers pod, Learning, Teaching and Quality (LTQ) desk, bookshop, tea and coffee facilities, and a common learning area with vibrant, comfortable décor.
Campus Librarian Brenda Strachan said a huge wall-mounted interactive screen (akin to a huge iPad) would assist students with their studies and laptops would be available for loan.
“The new library is designed to be high-tech and flexible, focusing on students and their different learning styles and needs,” Ms Strachan said.
“The creative design is the result of consultations with USQ students and staff and leading higher education architect company, GHD Architecture.”
It is expected library and bookshop will be ready for use in the second semester of 2013. The common learning area and collection facility will be open for public use during normal library hours.
Mr Langabeer said USQ Fraser Coast’s library expansion not only demonstrated the university’s strong commitment to the Fraser Coast region but it also reflected USQ’s excellent library service, which has been rated as Australia and New Zealand’s top university library for client satisfaction in three consecutive surveys (2012 Insync National University Library Survey).
The significant contribution USQ makes across its three campuses – Fraser Coast, Springfield and Toowoomba – every year to the Queensland economy was revealed recently when the university threw its support behind a plan to unlock the full potential of regional Australia.
USQ contributes $411.7 million in gross state product, $255.4 million in household income and 3313 FTE jobs to the Queensland economy, according to research conducted by the Regional Universities Network (RUN), of which USQ is a founding member.
The research was conducted to highlight the significant contribution regional universities make to their communities as RUN today launches its policy statement — Smarter Regions, Smarter Australia — which details a variety of ways in which government can unlock the full human potential of regional Australia.
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