Rutherford Library, University library at University of Alberta, Canada.
Rutherford Library is a university library at the University of Alberta featuring two connected buildings known as North and South. Both structures span multiple floors with collections and workspace areas designed for various study needs.
The library opened in 1951 as the first independent structure of its kind at the university and took its name from Alexander Cameron Rutherford. It has since grown into a central hub for academic resources.
The Bruce Peel Special Collections in the basement preserve rare books and manuscripts for researchers to study. This collection shows how much the institution values protecting historical materials and sharing them with scholars.
The space is divided into three noise zones: silent areas, quiet zones, and collaborative spaces distributed across different floors. Visitors can choose the area that suits their activity, depending on whether they need focused work or group learning.
Two treadmill desks in the North building allow students to combine physical activity with their learning. This unusual setup shows an innovative approach to supporting both health and focus during study sessions.
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