Library – You Are Always Welcome Here. Transformation of Space and Services in the Gdańsk Tech Library

The poster aims to present the initiatives of the Gdansk University of Technology Library in modernizing its infrastructure and adapting its services to the changing needs of users. These changes will be framed in three complementary aspects - the research library as a “third place”, the library as a modern knowledge centre, and a library without barriers. The head quarter of the library is located in the middle of the campus - in the historic building of the University, which naturally makes it open to the academic community, as well as to the outside environment. On the one hand, it introduces a unique historical atmosphere, on the other hand, it introduces modern solutions for users. RESEARCH LIBRARY AS A “THIRD PLACE” The poster will present the realization of the idea of a “third place,” i.e. the introduction of services and a wide range of offer in the library, as well as the opening of dedicated spaces that, on the one hand, are intended to foster social interaction and integration and on the other, to promote relaxation from study and work. Regardless of its scientific offer, the library invites users to participate in various non-academic activities, including field games, competitions, author and historical meetings, exhibitions and other events organized by our team. A modern, innovative and comfortable infrastructure, which creates new possibilities for using library spaces, will also be presented. The student zones for creative group work or individual study goes beyond the traditional reading room. With the introduction of solutions such as acoustic booths, cubicles or chairs, there is the possibility of noisy work in areas dedicated for quiet study. Library zones that promote relaxation and physical and mental balance will also be presented. LIBRARY AS A KNOWLEDGE CENTRE The library will also be presented as a modern knowledge centre. The library's role is to provide the best tools for intuitive content search and comprehensive, reliable results. Thanks to the modern library system ALMA, the library offers a consolidation of professional services and platforms in a single tool, which it continues to develop. As a result, it is possible to search electronic and printed collections, materials in the institutional repository of scientific papers and research data MOST Wiedzy, and the collections of the Pomeranian Digital Library in a single search engine. We will present cutting-edge solutions such as the Primo Search Assistant, based on generative artificial intelligence, as well as other activities concerning the creation of an AI tool tailored to its needs. LIBRARY WITHOUT BARRIERS The last element of the poster will be the presentation how the library realizes the idea of openness by providing support for people who need special facilities to use its offer. Solutions that adapt interiors and infrastructure to the needs of people with disabilities, counteracting their social exclusion, will be presented. However, these solutions are so universal that they serve to support all user groups. This makes the library create equal opportunities to access to knowledge and scientific infrastructure.