UTP Information Resource Centre in Perak
Aesthetically pleasing bookstores in Malaysia aside, we have our share of libraries dotted across states for bookworms to head to and bury their noses in books. A stunning one to visit in Perak is Information Resource Centre (IRC), located on the campus grounds of Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP).
With 4 storeys of over 200,000 books and even a F1 simulator, this library is a treasure trove for students and the public alike.
A treasure trove of over 200,000 reading materials
Image credit: Universiti Teknologi Petronas – Main Page via Facebook
IRC houses over 200,000 books and reading materials in topics such as science, engineering, and humanities. It also features an interior that resembles an offshore oil rig. They are situated at Chancellor Complex at Universiti Teknologi Petronas, which is a stunning, modern cylindrical building.
Image credit: @adf_114 via Instagram
With 6-tiered bookshelves that look more like a servers in a data centre, this resource hub is able to accommodate over 500,000 book titles. Find six storeys of industrial-style bookshelves, offering students and non-students alike the chance to learn something new with every turn of a page.
Besides physical copies of books, the library also carries an extensive collection of magazines and scholarly journals, as well as over 15,000 eBooks, 2,000 UTP ePrints, and 3,000 eJournals.
Image credit: @mshian63 via Instagram
While the vast book collection greatly helps in academic pursuits and remains a highlight here, the library’s jaw-dropping architecture is also worth noting.
Leading oil and gas company, PETRONAS, envisioned this library with the concept of an oil platform, incorporating elements of an offshore oil rig like towering pillars into the building. This reflects the library’s status as a symbol of knowledge and innovation in the oil and gas industry, which plays a significant role in Malaysia’s economic development.
Image adapted from: Universiti Teknologi Petronas – Main Page via Facebook
With how awe-inspiring the architecture is, you’ll find library visitors taking photos – just like Formula One racing driver, Lewis Hamilton, did while visiting UTP back in March 2023. He managed to strike a pose in popular photo-taking spots, in front of the monolith of bookshelves and looking out from a balcony.
In the lobby of the library, you’ll find a pair of F1 Simulators, where you can experience being a F1 driver. You’ll need to pre-register online here to get in on this immersive experience, with only four sessions available a day from Wednesdays to Fridays.
Image credit: UTP Information Resource Centre via Facebook
Cosy study corners & a children’s area
Image credit: @mshian63 via Instagram
There’s nothing quite like being surrounded by library bookshelves housing books of every size and subject. So, take a stroll through the neatly stacked books waiting to be discovered, and curl up at the cosy corners of this library.
IRC has a 1,551 seating capacity, with chairs and seats spread out across various study areas at each level.
Image adapted from: @ayunie_smy via Instagram
There are also three meeting rooms and six discussion rooms, as well as a children’s reading area.
Image credit: @bookklik_MY via Twitter
Be in awe of architecture and a vast collection of books at IRC
If you’re planning to visit a library, consider dropping by the Information Resource Centre at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP). Whether to explore its extensive collection of books, or to marvel at its magnificent architecture, this library will be a treat for you.
Do note that while the library is open to the public, they still prioritise their students and only allow 50 guests are allowed inside per day. Visitors may enter between 10am to 12pm, or 3pm to 4pm. You can make a registration prior to your visit here.
Address: Universiti Teknologi Petronas, 32610, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Bota, Perak
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-10pm | Sat 9.30am-1pm (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays)
Contact: 05-368 8486 | IRC UTP website
Cover image adapted from: Universiti Teknologi Petronas – Main Page via Facebook, @mshian63 via Instagram, UTP Information Resource Centre via Facebook
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