Queen’s University – McClay Library

Having worked at a university library for 5 years, I was a bit sceptic when I visited the McClay Library for the first time, thinking I’ve seen everything a modern-​day library can come up with. Well, I wasn’t right. Queen’s students are really lucky to have this library. The building itself is nothing spectacular, clean and bright as it is supposed to be but it really has some hidden gems within, like the C.S. Lewis Reading room with a great panorama. Facilities are also great: there are computers all over, providing students with the opportunity to study individually or in groups in well-​equipped rooms. Their impressive opening hours and the environment-​friendly design and daily operation of the building really make it a top-​notch 21^st century library.

The McClay library is a beautiful building with stunning décor and art both within and outside the building. The C.S. Lewis Reading room is a must see for all. The library is obviously a popular spot for students to study, use the computers or find a book. I only wish this library had been opened when I was a student — it opened about a month after I graduated!

I really like the architecture of the McClay. It’s a great library with lots of study space, computers and small meeting rooms. Very helpful and knowledge Librarians and a wonderful CS Lewis Reading room — worth a visit just to see this room alone…

Being a student of St, Mary’s I could use all of Queen’s Facilities like this fine library. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until my final year and final exams that I took advantage of it. This came in the form of late night study. The fact that it stays open ²⁴⁄₇ during these times is fantastic.
There were four of us all studying the same courses so we liked to discuss what we were doing. So that we didn’t annoy the hell out of everyone else, we made use of the private rooms, which despite this busy time were always easy to book and plenty in number. The only down side is that the top floors close after 1 (I think 1am) and everyone who wants to stay has to clamber for space on the ground floor which can be very hard to find indeed!

Astonished that as an English student I never quite managed to write a review on this place. Though my love-​affair with one of the most stunning libraries in this country has been as temperamental as a hormonal teenage girl who has just been told she has to go visit her Great-​Aunt while all of her friends go to a VIP gig with Tine Tempah.
It started off with a WOW! LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THIS BUILDING! THERE’S BOOKS AND TOILETS AND LIFTS AND EVERYTHING!
It then fell apart slightly when I actually tried to do some work. There seemed to be a herd of cattle that ran through the library whenever you wanted some peace and quiet, thus my love affair began to wane. I couldn’t seem to get some quiet time that wasn’t at half 8 in the morning or 9 o’clock at night.
But then I discovered the Narnia room which changed everything because it was so quiet!
But then so did everyone else, so Brian became so angry he wrote in the third person, so he did.
There are quite a lot of things going for this library, but unlike the Old Library Tower which I used to frequent, you never have enough time to sit and do some work. You could be typing away in peace and quiet and then in the space of two minutes, some hammered wee tramp from Antrim comes in with her American friend and have the loudest chat that even Chaka Kahn turned up to the maximum on my generic MP3 player couldn’t drown out.
I then discovered another part of Queen’s which doesn’t have too many tramps or loud people for which this review will not mention, just for my own sanity.
Like I said, it is a stunning building and as far as something to look at goes, it sure is impressive. But as far as somewhere that is supposed to operate as a library, it doesn’t quite fulfil all of its requirements.

A world ok knowledge, that is, if you decide to take a peek.
The McClay library was recently opened in July 2009 after thousands of students gave up walking the eleven floors of the main library at Queens. The building was named in honour of Sir Allen McClay, a major benefactor of Queen’s University and of the library.
The new library caters for all needs with new computer facilities; extended hours study rooms, language labs, training rooms and helpful staff. The reading rooms provide a space for private studying while groups can book study rooms to discuss notes and presentations.
Exam and essay deadline time sees a huge increase in user ship at the McClay library so expect to do a few laps before finding a computer or a free working area. In addition, the computer space can often get very noisy even though silence is expected, therefore bring a pair of earphones, ear plugs or report those noisy neighbours.
The ‘Narnia’ styled reading room is what kid’s dreams are made off with a great wooden door opening into a space full of inspiration and knowledge

As a former student who used this library on a daily basis, I feel that I am well qualified to comment on the quality of this library, which is fantastic. I know that Jordanstown students regularly used this library in exam times which shows the superior quality of this library!
The facilities here are top notch. The book collection is extensive for every subject, with friendly and helpful staff being able to assist you in ordering any journals or documents you need. Set over four floors, there are ample computers and seating facilities for students and associate members.
People see this as a place only for students, but that i not the case, and a membership here for older members would be very worthwhile. The library is totally clean and with a lot of open spaces it is a very inspiring place to learn.
Unfortunately the open spaces are a hindrance when it comes to exam time as things can get very noisy when the library is brimming with people, so I advice getting in early to get a good place and brining earphones to help drown out any noise!
The library has a café and eating area attached so there is ample opportunity for getting your food fix here! The library is fantastic, so don’t listen to anyone who tells you that the facilities here are nothing less than the best around.
I feel I should sign off with some useful information. To use the wifi here you need to download a program to your library off the QUB site, ask assistants if you can’t find it! Also if you want phone reception head to the third floor, as the rest is a no go zone for phone signal!