Help shape the future of the Waterloo Libraries
The University of Waterloo Libraries are undergoing a 15-year strategic space planning activity, and we need your help! Campus feedback is critical to shaping the future of the Libraries.
This September the Libraries are engaging the campus community through a variety of activations, including a campus-wide open house, pop-up events at each of our main campus locations, and focus groups to hear your thoughts about what the future of our library spaces should look like.
Early campus consultations started in 2024 with several student feedback sessions, more than 5,000 responses to a library services survey, and presentations to senior leadership, campus partners, faculty members and student government.
The former provost, Jim Rush, commissioned this work, beginning with the creation of a campus-wide library strategic space planning steering committee to develop guiding principles, in alignment with the campus plan. Committee members include:
- Abhishesh Homagain, Vice-President, Administration, Graduate Student Association
- Amy Bender, Director, Space Planning Office
- Anita Maletic, Project Manager, Plant Operations
- Beth Namachchivaya, University Librarian
- Chris Read, Associate Provost, Students
- Damian Mikhail, President, Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association
- David DeVidi, Associate Vice-President, Academic
- John Lewis, Director, Indigenous Faculty Relations
- Jude Doble, Associate University Librarian, Administration and Strategic Initiatives
- Justin Wan, Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
- Mary Ann Mavrinac, Strategic Advisor
- Meghan Whitfield, Director, External Relations, Libraries
- Merochini Manohar, Director, Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association
- Paul Fieguth, Associate Vice President, Academic Operations
- Randy Dauphin, Director, Information Technology & Facilities Services, Libraries
- Rob Hunsperger, Senior Director, Planning, Design and Construction
The guiding principles the committee established highlighted the Libraries role at the heart of the campus community: a welcoming and inclusive place for all; an intellectual centre with a focus on experiential learning; and ultimately, a “common good” space that reflects Waterloo’s values.
This past spring, these principles were used for the request for proposals process to secure an architectural firm to create a 15-year space plan. The Libraries are delighted to announce Perkins & Will was selected as the successful candidate.
If you have questions or feedback about the Libraries’ strategic space planning project, please contact Beth Namachchivaya, university librarian, at universitylibrarian@uwaterloo.ca.