The Hart Library, located in the heart of the University of Sussex, is a hub of academic excellence and a treasure trove of knowledge. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, the library has evolved to meet the changing needs of students, faculty, and researchers. The library's collection boasts over 1 million printed books, 600,000 e-books, and 40,000 electronic journals, making it an invaluable resource for scholars across various disciplines.
History and Architecture
The Hart Library was named after Sir Herbert Hart, a renowned philosopher and lawyer who served as the Principal of the University of Sussex from 1961 to 1971. The library’s building, designed by Sir Basil Spence, is a striking example of modernist architecture, with a unique blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. The library’s design has undergone several transformations over the years, with the most recent renovation taking place in 2013, which added a new extension and refurbished the existing spaces to create a more welcoming and technologically advanced environment.
Collections and Resources
The Hart Library’s collections are diverse and extensive, covering a wide range of subjects, including humanities, social sciences, sciences, and engineering. The library is particularly renowned for its holdings in the areas of philosophy, politics, and economics. The library also provides access to a vast array of electronic resources, including e-books, online journals, and databases, which can be accessed both on and off campus. Additionally, the library offers a range of specialized services, such as research support, citation management, and academic writing guidance, to support students and faculty in their academic pursuits.
| Collection Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Printed Books | 1,000,000 |
| E-books | 600,000 |
| Electronic Journals | 40,000 |
Services and Facilities
The Hart Library offers a range of services and facilities designed to support the academic success of its users. The library’s 24⁄7 opening hours during term time, combined with its state-of-the-art technology and collaborative workspaces, make it an ideal environment for studying, researching, and learning. The library also provides disability support services, including assistive technology and accessible facilities, to ensure that all users can access its resources and services.
Teaching and Learning
The Hart Library plays a vital role in supporting the teaching and learning activities of the University of Sussex. The library’s information literacy program helps students develop the skills they need to navigate the complex information landscape and to become effective researchers. The library also collaborates with academic departments to develop subject-specific resources and to provide embedded librarian support in the curriculum, ensuring that students have access to relevant and reliable information to support their academic work.
In addition to its physical collections and services, the Hart Library is also committed to digital scholarship and open access initiatives. The library's digital repository provides a platform for researchers to share their work and to make it accessible to a global audience. The library also supports the development of open educational resources and open access publishing, promoting the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in scholarly communication.
What are the opening hours of the Hart Library?
+The Hart Library is open 24⁄7 during term time, with reduced hours during vacations and holidays. Please check the library’s website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours.
How can I access the library’s electronic resources?
+Students and faculty can access the library’s electronic resources using their University of Sussex login credentials. Off-campus access is available through the library’s VPN service.
What support services are available for students with disabilities?
+The Hart Library provides a range of support services for students with disabilities, including assistive technology, accessible facilities, and disability support staff. Please contact the library’s disability support team for more information.
