Changes in the library facilities

University Library renovation 2025-2027

The University Library will renovate its facilities on the entrance level and upper floor from 2025 to 2027. During this period, different areas of the library will gradually close to visitors, including some of the lower-level stacks.

Stage 1 – the quiet study area and Learning Space UB are closed

Since winter 2025, the area to the left of the main entrance – comprising the quiet study area and Learning Space UB – has been undergoing renovation. This area is scheduled to reopen in early 2026.

Read more about the facilities and how the closure may affect you

On the upper floor, we will renovate the quiet study area and build new resource rooms. Learning Space UB on the entrance level underwent a major renovation a few years ago but will now get new ventilation, among other things.

Impact on the library's services:

• The textbook collection has been temporarily relocated. You will find it directly to the right when you enter the Study Hall.
• Stack 3 is now closed. If you need something from this stack, the library staff will get it for you. Please go to the information desk, and we will help you.
• Some of the library's study spaces have been moved to the 2nd floor of the MIT building (entrance level).

Stage 1,5 – transition period and relocation of materials

In autumn 2025, we began the process of emptying the rest of the entrance level and upper floor. This includes relocating all books from these spaces to other parts of the library. Visitor access to books will vary, and the number of study spaces will be temporarily reduced.

Please contact the staff at the information desk if:

• the books you need are stored in a closed stack; or
• you need help finding the books’ new location.

More information about the transition period

Preparations for stage 2 are currently underway. This next stage involves renovating the areas around the entrance and to the right, while reopening the section that was closed during stage 1. To avoid closing the entire library during preparations, spaces will gradually be emptied and closed off.

• The supervised reading room for archives and special collections will close in early November.
• The SAB collection will be moved to stack 2. These books will remain accessible to visitors throughout stage 1,5.
• The DDC collection and public documents will be relocated to stack 3 to ensure visitor access during stage 2. For now, you need to ask the staff to retrieve materials from stack 3.
• Study spaces will remain available for as long as possible, but will gradually be reduced.
• The course book collection will be moved last and will remain accessible to visitors throughout the renovation.

Stage 2 – the University Library in smaller facilities

At the beginning of 2026, we will begin renovating the library’s entrance area and the facilities on the right (the Study Hall), which means that this entire area will be closed to visitors.

During the period 2026-2027, we will instead arrange a condensed version of the library in Learning Space UB. On the upper floor, the Silent Area – our newly renovated quiet study environment, will open.

How the library will operate in stage 2

Many of the library’s functions will be concentrated on the entrance level in the open part of the library, such as printers, the supervised reading room, and newspapers.

There will unfortunately be significantly fewer group study spaces available in the library, and no group rooms will be available. In late winter, the newly renovated quiet study area, which many students have missed, will open instead. You can also use the study spaces we have set up on the 2nd floor of the MIT building (entrance floor).

The textbook collection will return to its usual location in Learning Space UB. Stack 3 will once again be accessible to visitors, and some of the library’s most requested books will be temporarily moved there. Other materials will need to be retrieved by staff.

Why is the University Library being renovated?

The University Library has long been in need of renovation, and planning for this began several years ago. When the renovation is completed in 2027, we look forward to welcoming all visitors to a more modern library that is both functional and inviting.

Read more about the renovation

In the newly renovated University Library, you will find:

• varied, inspiring, and functional study environments;
• new classrooms for library instruction;
• a more pleasant, clearer, and welcoming entrance area;
• space for our books, journals, and other publications on new shelves; and
• a social staircase connecting two floors and creating a natural meeting place.

We will also be able to open the library’s inner courtyard to all visitors, where a completely new outdoor environment has been created with both greenery and seating areas.

As part of the renovation, improvements are also being made to heating and ventilation. This work includes our internal office spaces as well.

Read more: Major renovation of the University Library