Lightning Talk
Lightning Talk:
Space Revitalisation by Stealth: Lessons from a Furniture Upgrade
Presenters:
Celine Grinham, Gisele Bueno
Date:
Wednesday 13 May 2026 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Presentation Description:
In response to student feedback and the evolving needs of our campus community, the Flinders University Library undertook a comprehensive furniture revamp across its Central, Medical, and Sturt libraries. With over 600,000 annual visits, these libraries are pivotal to student success, yet recent surveys highlighted significant dissatisfaction with outdated, uncomfortable, and worn furnishings.
Our presentation will share the journey from concept to completion, including the challenges of budget limitations, logistical complexities and meeting diverse user needs. A targeted audit identified high-priority areas for replacement, while stakeholder engagement shaped key decisions and final outcomes. Sustainability was embedded throughout the project, with furniture selection prioritising durable, locally manufactured pieces, Indigenous-designed fabrics and low-impact materials. The project also minimised waste by recycling or repurposing old furnishings wherever possible.
Attendees will gain insight into the practicalities of managing a large-scale upgrade in high-traffic environments, including strategies for minimising disruption, ensuring inclusivity, and aligning physical spaces with institutional values. We will discuss the impact of the project on student experience, retention, and campus vibrancy, supported by survey data and user feedback.
By sharing lessons learned and tangible outcomes, this session aims to empower other institutions to undertake similar initiatives, demonstrating how thoughtful investment in library spaces can foster engagement, wellbeing, and academic success.
Celine Grinham
Library Coordinator, Patron Engagement at Flinders University Library
Presenter Bio
Celine Grinham is the Library Coordinator, Patron Engagement at Flinders University Library, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in academic libraries to her role. Celine leads the frontline team in delivering outstanding customer service across phone, online, and face-to-face channels, ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for scholars and key university stakeholders.
Her core responsibilities include overseeing the efficient daily operation of library user spaces, where she plays a vital role in ensuring they are well-equipped and staffed to meet the community’s evolving needs. As a member of the Library’s management team, Celine is dedicated to continuous service improvement and actively contributes to strategic planning, partnering with stakeholders to activate and enhance library spaces.
With a strong background in library operations and a passion for creating welcoming and functional environments, Celine’s expertise in project managing new service and technology introductions and resolving complex enquiries has been key to her successful career. Her commitment to service excellence, collaborative work practices, and ability to motivate staff across multiple campuses makes her a valued leader in academic library engagement.
Gisele Bueno
Coordinator, Strategic Communications at Flinders University Library
Presenter Bio
Gisele Bueno is the Coordinator, Strategic Communications at Flinders University Library. She leads communication and engagement initiatives that support the Library’s services and strategic goals, working closely with leadership and teams across the University. Previously, Gisele worked in the University’s Property, Facilities and Development unit, where she held roles as Manager – College Spaces and Projects Coordinator and Operations Team Leader, involved in space planning, project delivery, and operational improvements. In her current role, she has played a key part in the Library’s recent furniture revamp, contributing to project coordination, communication, and staff engagement to create more welcoming and functional spaces for students and staff.