Libraries Launches Strategic Space Plan for Dana Porter and Davis Centre Libraries

The University of Waterloo Libraries has developed the foundation for reimagined library spaces with a 15-year strategic space plan. This roadmap contains bold ideas to drive the development of vibrant, inspiring library spaces and services to anticipate the evolving needs of Waterloo students, faculty and researchers. 

Developed in partnership with the Office of the Provost and informed by extensive campus consultation, the plan aligns with the University’s Campus Plan and Waterloo at 100 vision. It reinforces the Libraries’ role as a vital academic resource and a place where collaboration, experiential learning, interdisciplinarity and community come together.   

The project was launched in 2024, with guidance from a campus-wide steering committee before architectural firm Perkins & Will was selected to create the long-term strategic space plan. Following endorsement by University leadership, the first phase is now under way. In our last user survey, students told us that access to study space outside traditional hours is essential to how they learn so the initial project will create a flexible learning and after-hours study space on the main floor of Dana Porter Library. 

An engaging focal point for flexible learning 

Libraries are among the most heavily used spaces on campus, welcoming up to two million visits annually. The plan recognizes the growing demand for flexible, student-centered spaces that support different ways of learning, studying and connecting. 

The plan includes a 14% increase in study space, including after-hours access, learning commons spaces and additional quiet study spaces.  

A place where people and ideas converge  

As one of the few spaces on campus that brings together people from every discipline, the Libraries are uniquely positioned to foster the collaboration and exchange of ideas needed to address complex challenges. 

The plan envisions new spaces that support experiential learning, interdisciplinary research, experimentation and open dialogue, including technology-rich learning environments, event and exhibition spaces, and dedicated areas for innovation and creative exploration. 

By creating opportunities across disciplines, the Libraries can help spark new partnerships, ideas and discoveries. 

Stewarding collections through collaboration 

Demand continues to grow for library spaces that support learning, research and collaboration, while a significant portion of current space remains dedicated to print collections. The plan recognizes the need to reimagine how library collections are managed and accessed to better meet these changing expectations.  

The transition of scholarly resources to digital formats creates an opportunity to rebalance library space. By preserving print collections through thoughtful stewardship, shared retention agreements and strategic collections planning, the Libraries can maintain access to the scholarly record while expanding space to support teaching, learning, research, and student success. 

Looking ahead 

Implementation will take place in phases over the next 15 years, allowing the Libraries to remain operational while spaces are renewed and adapted to changing needs. 

Together, these investments will help ensure Dana Porter and Davis Centre libraries remain welcoming, vibrant and essential destinations for access to scholarly resources and expertise, learning, research and community for generations of Waterloo students and scholars.