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The Libraries' Space Challenge

Books will always play a vital role in the life of the Libraries, but it no longer makes sense to devote a large footprint downtown to keeping print media that is not in high demand. At the same time, �������� needs to fulfill its mandate to preserve and make available deep, unusual collections for humanity. To this end, the �������� Libraries created the �������� Collections Centre (MUCC) at Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, just off-island. By moving a large portion of the University’s print collection to this new facility—which is carefully climate-controlled, therefore better preserving the materials—the Libraries are able to repurpose valuable in-library space to better serve the needs of today’s students, faculty, and researchers. 

�������� Libraries are severely overcrowded and face a significant demand for user and programme space. Industry norms suggest public research university libraries of a similar size to �������� should strive to provide seating for approximately 20% of their student population. With its current infrastructure, �������� currently offers appropriate seating to 9-12% of the student population, far below its academic peers, which is evidence of the current overcrowding in the Libraries. 51% of the Libraries' system-wide space is dedicated to the physical collection. 

The 2015 Library Master Plan recommended that a portion of the Libraries', low circulating collections be moved into a purpose-built, high-density and dedicated space. In 2019 the decision was made to acquire an automated, off-campus storage facility. The 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art the MUCC holds 2.5 million volumes. Materials are housed in environmentally controlled and secure conditions and managed using an intelligent, . 

As of June 2024, users are able to request their materials online and collect them at a campus library location. Delivery from the �������� Collections Centre occurs five days per week. 

LEED & Committed to Biodiversity Certifications

In the spring of 2024, the MUCC was awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, which is the world’s most widely used green-building rating system, and Gold certification is the second-highest ranking. The certification recognized the building's energy conservation, water-use reduction, enhanced indoor air quality and reduced impact on the surrounding environment.

“I am immensely proud of this significant milestone for �������� and its libraries,” said Guylaine Beaudry, Trenholme Dean of Libraries. “It demonstrates our ability to plan, build and manage infrastructure that not only caters to the contemporary needs of collection management, but serves as a tangible example of ��������’s dedication to environmental stewardship.” 

article provides background on the certification and what it means for �������� and its Libraries.

Also in June 2024, the MUCC was , receiving its “Committed to Biodiversity” certification.