The library buildings varied from listed early nineteenth-century structures to twentieth-century properties, each with their own special requirements. We stripped out furnishings, bookcases and other redundant equipment, refurbished historic panelling and windows, insulated ceilings, installed new flooring and redecorated.

Each library was part of a main programme and works were phased so students could always access parts of the libraries. Given the role of libraries as places for quiet study, the works had to be completed with minimum of noise and disturbance to students and staff, Because of this, much of the work was completed out of hours.