UCL Library of the Month: Language and Speech Science Library

myUCL Student Journalist Robert Vilkelis explores UCL's Library of the Month Quiet yet energetic, cosy yet expansive and studious yet playful.

Affectionately called "LaSS", the Language and Speech Science Library is one of UCL's specialist spaces boasting over 850 unique Speech Language Therapy tests, 60 study spots and one amazing team all held within big windows and bright walls. 

This month we're joined by veteran Librarian Breege Whiten and Deputy Librarian Gillian Mackenzie to tell us all about the small library with a huge offering.

"We're a safe, friendly space"

Situated in Chandler House, just a one-minute walk from the Brunswick Centre - and therefore a free Waitrose cappuccino - LaSS library is one of UCL's cosier libraries. Yet, if there's any question about lack of space, it's made up for in spirit.

"We're very fortunate in our relationship with the students," Gillian shares, "We have that right from the beginning and get to know people very early on."

"We still have alumni coming back," Breege chimes in, "From the tours with their parents, to the end of their degree, to them as alumni, we support people through that whole cycle."

"We are a safe, friendly environment, team and place to study. We'll help you with whatever you need as much as we can."

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming - and whether it's your first or hundredth time here, there's a distinct feeling of being looked after.

Over 850 speech therapy tests to explore

"We have the largest Speech Language Therapy Test Collection in the UK." 

That's over 850 items, all dating back from the 1960s and onwards. Turn a corner in the library, and you've not only found them all, but you've got free and unrestricted access to them.

"It's not hidden away, and there's no need to request in advance," Breege says, "It's a very practical collection: it's used, and it's there to be used."

It's a living collection rather than a historical archive that we can all enjoy and even borrow - to which Gillian adds, "as long as you promise to bring it back, it's fine!"

Helping students, helping the environment, helping Ghana

The LaSS library is very involved in UCL's Green Impact scheme, and earned the highest award of 'Excellence' for it in 2017.

"We try and recycle everything including our weeded book stock," Breege divulges, "and we work with an ex-UCL student to ship books to Ghana to support the only Speech and Language Therapy department over there."

The first 12 Speech and Language Therapists graduated from the University of Ghana in October 2017. Together with a former UCL PhD student, the LaSS team and UCL students, the library has not only raised nearly £100 in the last year, but shipped over a broad collection of literature that is supporting children and adults from some of the poorest communities in Ghana get access to the help they need.  

Big changes coming your way

The library's reception foyer is due for a makeover that looks to "future-proof it" aligned with our increasingly digital needs. This will be the biggest renovation for the Library since Chandler House's refurbishment over a decade ago, which transformed the building from a refitted teaching hospital to a modern learning space.

Perhaps that's why the library's reading room can be dead silent - a long time ago, it used to be the morgue! There's nothing to fear, though - I've been assured that if ghosts are turning the lights on at night, they're "friendly ones". 

The LaSS library team will be looking for feedback on how to best transform the foyer around the April - May period. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with their plans!

Come and stop by!

As the winners of the UCL Library Services award for Excellent Customer Service, the close-knit LaSS library team pride themselves on pulling together to provide superb, seamless service. They know their collection inside and out; if you're looking for "that big blue book," they'll find the exact one. 

Whether you're a Chandler House resident, a local neighbour or a main campus pilgrim, there's never been a better time to settle in and enjoy the rich, studious and playful atmosphere of LaSS library.