Move us and shake us: adapting to new challenges

With the increase in fees and student expectations, universities are facing pressures and challenges to maintain and improve the student experience. This paper will analyse the impact of the physical move of the Centre for Achievement and Performance (CfAP) into the main campus library. To do this, it will examine the integration of CfAP into the Library and Learning Services (LLS); the enhancement of the CfAP services through collaboration with Academic Librarians and the Service Development team shall be explored. Finally, it will focus on the impact of a converging service to the student body. The initial challenges faced by both CfAP and LLS staff were changes in the physical space and learning how the library operates. The physical move also resulted in a change in CfAP’s operations. There was a reduction in our physical space and a change in triage as the library’s helpdesk became the first point of contact for students wanting to access our support. This has proven more challenging than anticipated because we had to relinquish some control of established practices and cope with an increase in demand for our services. As a result of the move and operational changes CfAP now has more advocates, awareness of our role has increased, and students have immediate access to guidance. This has all contributed to a more flexible service. CfAP has adapted to work with the new professional colleagues within LLS to offer a holistic service, and we will share our experiences and offer tips to anyone facing changes to practice.