Academic library buildings have experienced a spate of renewal projects where space design, layout and technological integration are brought together to create environments optimised for learning. The University of Melbourne is no exception to this trend. The University's 24 libraries
- designed in earlier times for a smaller number of students - have limited spaces for either individual or collaborative study and are gradually being upgraded to state of the art learning centres with comprehensive collections and IT rich spaces for individual as well as collaborative study, accommodating the various learning styles of students.

However, at the University of Melbourne the renewal of one of its library spaces has not been undertaken in isolation. The University has gone further in its design concepts by developing the Eastern Precinct, comprising the Eastern Resource Centre Library, the Tate Learning Centre,
the Science Student Centre and the external Tate Plaza which together provide a continuum of student learning, social and community spaces designed to encourage students to spend more time on campus, offering a sense of place and supporting the student cohort experience.

This paper describes the spaces as well as outlining the Library's new service model redesigned to respond to the changing requirements. The paper also touches upon the journey taken - the incremental coalescing of several visions and strategies, ranging from the Library's 10 Year Strategic Plan in 2005, the University's 2006 Strategic Plan Growing Esteem, the Melbourne
Model, the Melbourne Experience concept for encouraging student cohorts, and the University's vision for student learning and social spaces - that allowed this unique learning environment to emerge. The Eastern Precinct has emerged as the model that will inform the development of up to five such precincts across campus.