University of Limerick – Battery-Powered Library Spaces
Background
The Glucksman Library is the academic heart of the University of Limerick (UL), a central hub for connection, cultural engagement and technology infused learning, and the primary out of classroom study environment for students. It supports learning seven days a week, offering quiet, collaborative, bookable and technology enhanced spaces to meet a wide range of study needs.
The library’s investment in technology enhanced spaces aligns with UL’s Learning and Teaching Strategy, which increasingly emphasises engaged, creative and collaborative learning. Student feedback shows strong demand for flexible group spaces, and the library has responded by developing environments that support modern, active learning and enhance the student experience.
As part of this evolution, the former Special Collections Reading Room was redeveloped into The CoLab an adaptable learning and events space with capacity for 48 students, designed to support flexible, collaborative and group focused activity.
Understanding the Brief
Members of the University project team approached TOP TEC with a vision to repurpose the former Special Collections Reading Room into a dynamic, technology enabled learning space. During early planning, library staff identified a set of operational and design challenges, especially relating to power access and space functionality.
Key project criteria:
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The Decision Process
The project began with detailed discussions between TOP-TEC and key contacts at the University of Limerick.
During these consultations, the university outlined their core requirements for the library space: flexibility, mobility, and seamless access to power for student devices. From these conversations, a collaborative dialogue developed around the design of the specific tables that would best meet these needs.
Together, we explored configurations, dimensions, and features, ultimately shaping a solution that would not only fit the library’s physical constraints but also meet their objectives for the space. This close partnership ensured that the furniture solution was tailored precisely to the university’s functional and aesthetic requirements.
Implementation
To address these requirements, Arc Animate desks were selected for their mobility, sleek design, and robust construction. The desks feature a rechargeable, removable QikPac battery system, developed in partnership with Office Electrics (OE), eliminating the need for fixed power points. Each battery locks securely into an integrated housing within the desk, preventing removal by students and ensuring a consistent power supply throughout the day.
This innovative solution allows desks to be positioned anywhere within the library while still providing reliable power via a USB/USB-C connection to student’s laptops, tablets, and other devices. The battery packs can be easily recharged and swapped out by staff as needed, ensuring uninterrupted service without dependency on the building’s hardwired electrical infrastructure.
The Result
The installation of Arc Animate desks transformed the library at the University of Limerick into a truly flexible, technology-ready learning environment.
Spaces can now be reconfigured rapidly to support different study modes and events, with students benefiting from convenient access to power wherever they choose to sit.
By removing the need for floor boxes and trailing cables, the university achieved a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable workspace that aligns perfectly with the university’s forward-thinking ethos.
The project demonstrates how considered furniture design and smart power solutions can future-proof educational environments and support the next generation of learners.
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“This set-up has been a real game-changer for us. We opted for two battery packs per desk, which means there is always one fully charged and ready to use.” Students have responded incredibly positively, they love the refurbished space, the reliable power and the flexibility to move the desks to suit how they want to work. The desks support group activity exactly as we’d hoped. TOP TEC clearly understood what we needed from the space, and although the power solution was new for us, I’m very glad we embraced it.”
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