On Maryland Street in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, the Aldham Robarts Library occupies a four-storey building that has been part of Liverpool John Moores University since 1994. Designed by architectural firm Austin-Smith:Lord, the 5,324 m² (57,310 sq ft) structure has won multiple architectural awards since it opened. It is one of two designated libraries belonging to LJMU, with the other being the Avril Robarts Library.
Collections and Facilities
The library’s collections and resources cater primarily for the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies and the Faculty of Business and Law. Its 386 personal computers, books and online catalogues support students across both faculties, and Wi-Fi covers the entire building. Entry is by student ID card, scanned at turnstiles on the ground floor. Beyond lending and study space, the library also provides research support and learner support services, and it opens seven days a week during term time.
Membership and Name
The library is a member of Liverpool Libraries Together, a partnership arrangement that allows any registered reader at a member library to access the other libraries within the network. The building takes its name from Aldham “Aldie” Robarts (29 July 1929 – 29 August 2021), the founder of the Wirral Globe newspaper. Formerly known as the Aldham Robarts Learning Resource Centre, the building now carries the simpler title of Aldham Robarts Library and remains anchored to the Mount Pleasant Campus in the heart of LJMU’s city-centre estate.