The library building is also the largest single IT resource within the University. Each of the 700 individual study spaces has network connections and one in two of these spaces is already fully equipped with high specification PC workstations. Although it is stocked with over 120,000 books and 500 print journal subscriptions, the building's design recognises that traditional methods of delivering information are increasingly being superseded by digital technologies. In this "electronic library" a far smaller percentage of floor space is used for shelving than in more traditional libraries. All the PCs have access to the Internet and therefore to a host of information services and datasets including over 4000 electronic journals from around the world. Proportionally, the Library spends more on subscriptions to electronic information than any other university library in Scotland. The University's Virtual Library is also making learning resources far more accessible to the students, wherever they may be on campus, or indeed across the world in the partner institutions. The multi award-winning library is stunning in design and has been developed to provide the best learning environment in the Scottish higher education sector.

Student Centre

Several years ago the University of Abertay Dundee identified a requirement for a new Student Centre to replace an existing property that was poor in terms of location, accessibility and facilities.

Concept

Social inclusion is integral to the mission. The students are often the first among their friends and families to go to University. All the students should be as fully involved as they can be in the university experience, but at present the facilities offer a very limited scope for students to gather as a community. First and foremost, it wants to create a focal point for student interaction - a true Student Centre.

Out of this, it aims to provide facilities and develop the ambitions of the students and to create opportunities for them to reach their potential both socially and culturally.

Welfare

It is anticipated that student welfare will have a far more visible and active role in the new Union, and space for these activities will be provided in the office suite.

Bars

All the bars and the nightclub will have distinctive atmospheres and as they are separate areas, any one or more can be closed off when not required. Each one of them will be capable of being used for a variety of events, thereby allowing us to cater for the many differing tastes of the students and staff. If all areas are open at the same time, it allows us to put on different events, thus appealing to more of the student body at any one time.

At any time, but particularly in the summer, it will be able to use any one of these areas to host meetings, conferences, summer schools etc. Any of the venues could be used to host a private function with the sale of alcohol being optional, so it could cater for a variety of age, social and cultural groups.

It aims to operate the Centre's entire bar and leisure facilities together for certain major events in the year and on weekends to give it a multi level super club feel.

Lounge/Sports Bar

This bar is slightly smaller than the main bar, with seating for around 150 customers. It will have a more relaxed and casual atmosphere and is a place where students will drop in for a drink and game of pool. This bar will house a big screen TV along with various normal sized TVs located throughout the room, to show sporting events. The many sports clubs and societies will be able to use this room not only as a meeting point but also as an area to hold various functions. This bar will be the venue for special events evenings such as quiz nights and karaoke.

Main bar/Diner

This will be the hub of the Centre and it will open at least 6 days a week and until 2.30 am Wednesday to Saturday. The main bar will seat approximately 300 customers with a comfortable yet lively atmosphere - especially at the weekends. This bar will have the facilities for live entertainment with a small dance floor and DJ facilities. The venue could act as a club area for particular events and on certain nights of the week.

Nightclub

This space will be visually exciting and flexible. It will be capable of holding around 300 people. It is anticipated that this space would be used between 7 pm and 2.30 am three or four nights a week.

As it's unlikely that this area will be used every night of the week, it could be used for a variety of other things such as Clubs and Societies, events, meetings, etc.

Cloakroom

A small, staffed area is provided on the ground floor, and will be used at night.

Catering

The coffee bar/retail unit will sell high quality coffees, pastries, cakes, sandwiches etc. No alcohol will be sold here.

It is also anticipated this area will take on the role of a shop in the Centre, selling mainly snacks, crisps, chocolate etc as well as a small line of stationery items.

There will be a leased bookshop unit and it is anticipated this will provide a greater range of stationery items.

It is envisaged that university staff as well as students will use this space located in the foyer overlooking the library and pedestrianised area. There will be low tables and couches with easy listening background music. Opening hours would be early until early evening 5.00 pm and "Grab and Go" food will be available from this area.

It will have a relaxed atmosphere where students can have a quiet break between classes, a chance to sit down, have a coffee and review notes with classmates.

This area is ideal for providing for the needs of other social and cultural groups as well as those with children, as this area is open, friendly and alcohol-free.

The diner forms part of the level 2 bar serving food to suit all tastes. The food served will reflect the diversity of the students at Abertay, with the options of specialising the menu on different days. It will be an open, pleasant space where students can get affordable, nutritional, quality meals. The diner will be bright with natural light from the windows, and appropriate seating and tables. The seating will be moved to a storage area at night when the area will be used for events or as a dance floor.

Office Accommodation

The office accommodation will be unobtrusive and set apart from the hubbub of activity of the Union. It will be open plan as far as possible to maximise space and allow for future flexibility and expansion. It will provide office and activity space for the Students' Association and Student Centre teams.

Phone / ATM / Vending

An ATM will be installed which ideally, will catch passing trade as well as students. Vending services will be provided as needed.

Cultural Facilities

These will be provided on the top floor of the Centre. A performance space will host performances, films, events and other cultural pursuits. There will be raked seating for 80 people, a stage and projection facilities. It will offer a programme of film, theatre and performance events in this area and it will also serve as a meeting and debating chamber for the Centre and Association.

There will be a large open plan area offering good quality coffee facilities which will be used as exhibition space and for relaxation. It will also provide an area for formal events and meetings and other significant University events. This area will lead on to a small rooftop garden enjoying a panoramic view of Dundee.

It is anticipated that the top floor will be used by the wider community and could also become a focal point for interaction between students and businesses. In keeping with the University's Cultural Strategy, it is envisaged that the top floor will offer artists and students working with leading-edge technologies a unique environment within Dundee and Scotland to showcase their work.