iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

Hey Hugh, the listing was already in the works before the news broke about the repurposing of ASSL, but I'm sure our campaign made Cadw put their foot down a little :D We're not sure legally where Cardiff University stand on any change as from what we know this is mostly about the exterior.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Very welcome news that Cadw understands the greatness of the ASSL :)

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Reposted by Save ASSL

Cardiff University Libraries @cardiffunilib.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Designated 'Historic Asset'! We always suspected it, but now it's Cadw official! 🙏🍾 Our Arts & Social Studies Library received it's Grade II listing on Wednesday last week, noted as a key example of a twentieth century university library in Wales.

Cadw Grade II listed.

Arts & Social Studies Library. Date of designation: 24 June 2026.

A key example of a twentieth century university library in Wales, designed by Harry Faulkner-Brown an influential figure in library design and demonstrating his ‘ten commandments’ with clarity and finesse in its Brutalist design.

An important aspect of Wales’ cultural history as an important university library and the last major building of the postwar expansion in tertiary education in Cardiff commenced before the economic shocks of the 1970s.

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Reposted by Save ASSL

Cardiff University Libraries @cardiffunilib.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Llyfrgell y Celfyddydau ac Astudiaethau Cymdeithasol 'Rhestredig Gradd II' gan Cadw 🙏🍾

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Reposted by Save ASSL

Dan Tappin @oitappin.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Just saved these from deletion, anybody know a good archive that would want them?

A selection of BBC books from the 40s and 50s about early stages of learning Welsh.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

The students like libraries, no matter how many times we have to shush the scamps.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Thanks Private Eye fo the mention, get your copy in newsagents today!

Read the room

AFTER making drastic cuts to jobs and courses last year, Cardiff University is considering removing an entire floor of a busy, useful library to install a trendy "immersive learning environment".

The university confirmed that the second floor of the Arts and Social Sciences Library was "a location currently being explored" for an, ahem, proof-of-concept learning space to try out the idea. It says it wants to draw on examples of immersive learning spaces at some of the best universities worldwide.

Previously used to describe the old-fashioned but effective concept of going to France to learn French, "immersive learning" is now all about being inside digital presentations, either using virtual reality headsets or rooms with big-screen walls. Certainly the "immersive rooms" at nearby University of Wales Trinity St David (where students can enjoy being surrounded by flm of LED screens) and the Igloo Virtual Reality Cave at the University of the West of England feature heavily in their recruitment marketing. But campaigners at Cardiff say polling consistently shows students want real physical books as well as digital wizardry.

There has been outcry from staff and students, who rather value the vital quiet study space and the 7,000 or so books housed on that floor, including old and rare collections of Welsh literature and music. To make matters worse, the space was only refurbished in 2024, with new carpets, desks and lighting, after academics had complained for years about the shabby state of the study space.

A petition to protect the library has attracted more than 10,000 signatures and with some success! As the Eye went to press, the university announced that its original timeline to start work over the summer break had "become unachievable and we have taken the decision to pause initial proprietary work."

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

So our statement on the 1st of June pause announcement has been published. saveassl.co.uk/2026/06/05/s... Thanks to everyone who helped with signing the petition and sending us lovely messages. Here's hoping our work is done, but we'll keep going until we know the ASSL is safe.

saveassl.co.uk

Statement on 1st of June Pause

A response to Cardiff University’s 1st of June statement

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Cheers! Yep, we'll continue to keep ticking over and sticking our oar in until we know the building is not going to be used.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

That's why we kicked back, enough was enough. Just signing a petition has helped, the awareness it has raised has hopefully put an end to this nonsense.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Thanks for the support! BTW, using your comms hat, what do you think of their statement quoted in the piece?

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

It's a pause really, but hopefully we've done enough to save the building for the foreseeable future.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

It's the third statement where they've taken a dig at staff and students who dared to raise the alarm. Note underneath the article, comments left by someone we think from Estates. It seems their default position is to gaslight everyone even though there's a stack of evidence...

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Thanks for the support! Technically it's a pause, but hopefully we've made enough of a fuss they won't look at the building again.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Thanks for the awareness! Cardiff University released a statement Monday they are pausing the project and are going to launch a thorough consultation on the matter.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Thanks for the awareness! Cardiff University released a statement Monday they are pausing the project and are going to launch a thorough consultation on the matter.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

(By shortly I mean when we stop being a tad miffed at our employers lying about us)

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

So, the project is paused for now. We'll be issuing a statement shortly.

New learning spaces updated timeline and opportunities to co-create

1 June 2026

Read an important message to staff and students from Anita Edson, Director of Estates and Campus Facilities.

Dear colleague,

I am writing with an important update on our plans to invest in new multi-purpose study and learning spaces.

You may be aware that the University is actively considering a proof-of-concept for a new type of learning space, that would also provide additional study space, to significantly improve the student learning experience.

The Arts and Social Studies Library (ASSL) was one location being considered to host this trial space, with some potential associated works planned over the summer. Regrettably, this resulted in unnecessary concern and misinformation being shared - despite our assurances that no final decisions have been taken.

The original timelines have now become unachievable and we have taken the decision to pause initial preparatory work - planned for summer of 2026 - to avoid disruption to students in Semester 1.

Instead, during the summer the project team will continue to work on a thorough feasibility study including a continued review of all possible locations. In doing so, we will engage with staff, students and other key stakeholders to help in the co-creation of this new learning space.

The plan is to create a full business case for approval through the usual University governance process. We expect to publish this towards the end of the year. This timescale would allow works to commence in the Summer of 2027 and minimise disruption.

We feel it is the right decision to pause at this point and provide opportunities for our community to better understand and shape the project and consult on the detail - including the location and its impact.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to reiterate the points made in the recent message sent to students from Professor Amanda Tonks, Interim Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience.

In relation to the ASSL, key books and collections would not be disposed of as part of our plans. We will continue to retain and manage our book stock, as is normal practice for our libraries, managing our collections responsibly including for important collections like the Welsh Collection.

The Salisbury Collection is not in circulation. It is housed in Special Collections on the lower ground floor of ASSL and would not be impacted. There is also no planned change to the number of library staff that we have at Cardiff University.

I hope this offers reassurance that our aim is to significantly improve the student learning experience by creating an immersive learning space and an environment that provides additional study space when it is not used for teaching.

Finally, I look forward to working and consulting further with colleagues on this major investment during the coming months. Further information on how staff and students can input and have their say will be shared in the coming weeks.

Yours sincerely,

Anita Edson

Director of Estates and Campus Facilities

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

We have an IMPORTANT update to share, hold tight everyone.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

@rhianejones.bsky.social Hey Rhian, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that's in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms,please may I ask for an RT of a petition to help raise awareness.Thanks for any help (I wanted to send a pic of it in place,but it's on loan!)

Rebecca's Country: A Welsh Story of Riot and Resistance by Rhian E Jones, incredibly popular and checked out of the ASSL library.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

@tazrahman.bsky.social Hey Taz, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that is in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms, could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness. Thanks for any help you can give.

East of the sun, west of the moon by Taz Rahman

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Hey Jo, we believe that Nous is behind a plan at Cardiff University to turn the second floor of our beloved Arts and Social Studies Library into four classrooms, we're looking into these links whilst also trying to get wider visibility via our petition. Thanks! you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/sa...

you.38degrees.org.uk

Stop Cardiff University from scrapping the ASSL's second floor!

thousands of books and crucial study spaces are at risk. Cardiff Uni wants to repurpose the busiest library on campus into classrooms. Help protect our library and sign the petition today.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

@nyedavies.bsky.social Hey Nye, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that is in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms, could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness. Thanks for any help you can give.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

@joanpassey.bsky.social Hey Joan, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that is in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms, could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness. Thanks for any help you can give.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

@jancarsonwrites.bsky.social Hey Jan, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that is in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms, could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness. Thanks for any help you can give.

Quickly, While They Still Have Horses by Jan Carson

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

What they are selling, nobody should be buying.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Thanks for the push, we're so close to 10k.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

We have research from the students that they prefer physical and digital resources over just digital. A lot of our Welsh collection isn't digitised. These points have been made to the University Executive Board.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Sign our petition Arwyddwch ein deiseb tinyurl.digital/qhc4cs Library assistant and poet Catrin Mari uses one book, 'Afonydd' (Arachne Press) to discuss reasons why you should support #saveourassl Instagram @catrinmari.poetry #saveourassl Have you signed yet/ ydych chi wedi arwyddo eto?

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Save our books/ achubwch ein llyfrau: Sign and share Arwyddwch a rhannwch: tinyurltinyurl.digital/qhc4cs #saveourassl #library #uniquebooks #silentstudyspace #booksunderthreat

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

@georgemckay.bsky.social Hi George,your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that's in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms,please may I ask for an RT of a petition to help raise awareness.Thanks for any help (I wanted to send a pic of it in place,but it's on loan!)

Oxford handbook of punk rock by George McKay

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

@philipschwyzer.bsky.social Hi Philip,your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that's in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms,please may I ask for an RT of a petition to help raise awareness.Thanks for any help (I wanted to send a pic of it in place,but it's on loan!)

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

@bergenmar.bsky.social Hi Jenny,your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that's in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms,could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness.Thanks for any help (I wanted to send a pic of it in place,but it's on loan!)

Critical neurodiversity studies : divergent textualities in literature and culture by Jenny Bergenmar

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

@kateholterhoff.com Hey Kate, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that's in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms, could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness.Thanks for any help (I wanted to send a pic of it in place, but it's on loan!)

Speculation and the Darwinian Method in British Romance Fiction, 1859-1914 by Kate Holterhoff

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

@kirstininnes.bsky.social Hey Kirstin, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that is in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms, could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness. Thanks for any help you can give.

A Chaos of Light, edited by Kirstin Innes

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

@edithmayhall.bsky.social Hey Edith, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that is in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms, could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness. Thanks for any help you can give.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

@nessowen.bsky.social Hey Ness, your books are part of a Cardiff University library collection that is in danger of being removed to build 4 classrooms, could I please ask for a RT of the petition to help us raise awareness. Thanks for any help you can give.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Not enough classrooms in there for our liking.

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Save ASSL @saveassl.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

*a very librarian fist bump*

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