The "Macquarie University Library" is the largest academic library in Northern Sydney. The library holds over 1.8 million print and electronic items including books, journals, newspapers, reports, conference proceedings, working papers, maps, Macquarie postgraduate theses, computer software, multimedia, microfilm, microfiche and additional non-print resources. New items are regularly added to ensure high quality resources are available for learning, teaching and research.

The library provides access to over 250 databases; 135,000 e-books; more than 67,000 electronic journals; books, printed resources, multimedia via the Catalogue.

The New Library

The just completed new Library building located at the main entry to the University (building C3C) provides a 21st century learning and research environment that facilitates vital interactions between people and knowledge.

The new Library has over 2500 seats for group and individual study and more than 200 PCs for students and guest login. The library also provides dedicated Postgraduates and Higher Degree Research study seats with desktop power for laptops, Macquarie network access, vending machine and free lockers for Macquarie University Students.

The native parklands of the campus have inspired an innovative design, which aims to set impressive sustainability standards such as:

• A green roof with grass and gardens
• Natural light wells for lower floors
• External shade fins
• Zoned lighting
• Use of recycled material in construction
• An Automated Storage and Retrieval System

Automated Storage and Retrieval System

Macquarie University Library is the first library in Australia to install an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS). The ASRS consists of an environmentally controlled vault with metal bins storing the collection in high density storage. Robotic cranes retrieve an item on request and deliver that item to the service desk for collection.

This innovative technology allows the Library to provide more space for group and individual study while keeping the building's environmental footprint small. Around 80% of the Library’s physical collection will be stored in the ASRS and 20% on open access shelves.

Lachlan Macquarie Room

Another special feature in the Library is the Lachlan Macquarie Room, which provides a unique historical link between Macquarie University and its namesake, Lachlan Macquarie, the fifth British governor of New South Wales. The Lachlan Macquarie Room is showcased inside the entrance to the Library.

The Room is of the original ground floor parlour room from Lachlan Macquarie's home on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. It includes all the original timber panelling, doors, windows, alcoves, shutters, and fireplae dating from the 1820s.

History

Opened in 1967, Macquarie University original Library was built progressively in four stages and fully completed by 1978. Some consider it an example of Brutalist architecture

Brutalist architecture

Brutalist architecture is a style of architecture which flourished from the 1950s to the mid 1970s, spawned from the modernist architectural movement.-The term "brutalism":...

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There have been seven University Librarians at Macquarie University:

• David Barry Scott, OBE (1965-1970)
• Mollie Thomson (1970)
• Eoin Wilkinson (1971-1987)
• Barrie Mitcheson (1988-1996)
• Neil McLean (1996-2001)
• Penny Carnaby (2002-2003)
• Maxine Brodie (2003- Present)

External links

• Macquarie University Library Website