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The new library at the Luton campus, which opened in 2016, is in the running for a .

Set out over seven floors and costing £46m, the new library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for students to use.

Bedfordshire’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Resources) Donald Harley said: “We are delighted that our new library has been shortlisted for this award. The building is a fantastic addition to our campus as we continue to invest in our facilities to give our students the best possible experience. The ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ is absolutely committed to and focused on improving the student experience, providing a platform for the student voice and encouraging co-creation and collaboration between students and staff.  We are proud that this new library gives our students a place to work, to meet, to reflect and at times relax.”

Director at Colin Moses said: “We are delighted that the new library has been shortlisted for this award. The project is a vital step in the ongoing regeneration of the town centre campus in Luton and a new landmark for the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½. The design is our response to the challenges of the site and the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½’s aspiration for an enjoyable, efficient and scholarly place that supports and enables improvements in academic and institutional performance.”

The new library boosts a range of resources, including 154,000 books on 6km of shelves, 530 PCs, 916 study spaces, a café and the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ Hub, where students can go for advice and guidance on academic and study skills.

The RIBA East 2018 Awards will take place in Cambridge on Thursday 24 May.