Parts of the University Library are moving to Arkivgatan

The need for new library premises has existed for many years. The Humanities Library has reached full capacity, and its storage facilities face issues with pests and mould. There is also a significant lack of space in other parts of the University Library. Following many years of reviews and plans for new buildings, the Library Board recommended last autumn that the University Library should take over the premises on Arkivgatan, which the National Archives of Sweden will vacate in summer 2028. After negotiations with the property owner, Klippan Kulturfastigheter, a ten-year lease agreement has now been signed.

Relocation in 2028

During 2028, the University Library will vacate several floors in the Humanities Library building from the 1980s and relocate parts of its collections and operations to Arkivgatan. There they will have fully finished, purpose-built storage solutions with minimal need for adaptation. The 1950s section of the Humanities Library will be renovated and continue to be used by the University Library.

“It is incredibly gratifying that, after around 13 years as a facilities project, we have now reached a solution for the University Library’s long-term premises needs,” says Library Director Morgan Palmqvist.

“Access to Arkivgatan will not only provide excellent facilities, but also enable much better use of the existing Humanities Library. We are pleased that students, researchers, teachers and the general public will have improved access to the University Library. With this solution, we can better fulfil our mission of preserving the cultural heritage contained in the library’s extensive collections, and making it accessible”, he says.

Development of the Näckrosen area

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gothenburg, Malin Broberg, has decided that the future development of the Näckrosen area should be further investigated, partly because parts of the University Library’s operations are moving. A development plan for the area already exists, with the vision of creating a meeting place for the humanities, the arts and culture.