ANU Library launches study spaces to support neurodiverse students

31 Jul 2024

ANU University Librarian, Ms Roxanne Missingham and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Grady Venville are pleased to announce the official opening of two new study spaces designed to better accommodate the needs of neurodiverse students in the Chifley Library.


With support from the Student Services and Amenities Fund, two former retail spaces have been converted into study rooms, designed with features to make the rooms into more flexible study spaces.


The rooms have noise reduction panels installed and will soon also have adjustable lighting settings and couches, allowing students – both those who are neurodiverse and those who aren’t – to study in comfort and quiet.  


In her speech at the launch of these rooms, Professor Venville noted the design has built upon work done in other parts of the University with consultation with ANUSA disability representatives, Florence Cooper and Griffin Wright, and Student Services to discuss how to best support neurodiverse students to feel comfortable in Library spaces. She gave special thanks to John Mangos, Tom Foley, Alisha Nolan, Roxanne Missingham and all the staff from the Library who have supported this project and are working continually to ensure the Library is meeting the diverse needs of students. 
 

“Over one million people visit ANU Library branches in person each year, with half of those visits being to Chifley Library. As the busiest Library on campus, it is wonderful to be able to offer these specially designed spaces,” Prof Venville said. It is hoped that similar spaces will be added in other locations in the future.


These study spaces can be booked via the Library booking system and are designated as 1.5 and 1.6 in Chifley L1.
 

Improvements to these study spaces were partially supported by the Student Services and Amenities Fund (SSAF).