Library complaints mount

The Library’s busiest period of the year, Term 3, has begun and Library resources are being put under increased pressure. Many students have experienced difficulties in finding study space, as well as connecting to the internet and locating books.

“It’s not big enough,” said one Psychology finalist. “Every year I’ve been here it’s been getting busier and busier. There aren’t enough computers or copies of textbooks.”

Twenty-four hour opening times were introduced on 16 April and a small increase in study space was implemented in Summer 2011, but students are still struggling to find study space.

“People have to get in early,” said Sam Drane, a second-year Chemistry student. “Floor 3 is packed by about half ten.”

Students who leave their desks vacant are being issued pink slips stating that their belongings can be moved after a period of thirty minutes.

Katie Prideaux, a third-year Maths student who said she arrived at the Library at 8.30am to get a seat, complained that the pink slip system has only been selectively applied. She also thinks that the time should be extended to one hour, in order to allow people to attend lectures and seminars.

Kate Johnson, Environment Officer for the Library, said: “This year we are using a slightly amended system but I believe that a procedure to free up study spaces has been used for about four years now.

“I know that this system may seem harsh, but it is necessary – particularly now we are open for 24 hours. In previous years we have found people to leave items unattended for 4 hours or more which is totally unfair for all students.”

When questioned about the system, a Library Advisor replied: “Everyone has seminars. You have to take your stuff with you. Those are the rules.” He said that if they didn’t introduce the pink slip system, people would reserve their desks all day.

Section 19 of the University Library Rules and Regulations states: “The reservation of places is not allowed. Books and other articles left for more than 30 minutes may be removed by the Library staff.”

Some departments are making rooms available for use as study space. The Library is negotiating with the University Space Management & Timetabling to provide additional study provision during Term 3 by opening centrally timetabled space as study space. The History Department has made three rooms in the Humanities Building (H343, H346 and H303) available to History finalists during certain periods.

Some students have also reported problems with using the Library’s Wi-Fi service.

Ben Craske, a second-year Comparative American Studies student, said: “The Wi-Fi signal strength can be a bit unreliable on the fifth floor, so I don’t know if they could get any more boosters to make that more dependable.”

Last month, two additional wireless units were added to the fifth floor. The same work will be taking place on the fourth and third floors “in the near future”, according to David Skeen, a member of the Network Team.

“As there is a cost associated to the permanent fix it may not happen before third term due to the short time frame – hence the quick turnaround to mitigate the issues seen now with temporary

fixes,” he said.

Despite the number of complaints heard by the Boar, only five official complaints were lodged with the Library between October 2010 and April 2012.

According to Kelly Parkes-Harrison, Communications Manager, the Library has provided “specific responses directly to these complaints.”

“The extension in the opening hours to 24/7 during Term 3 was in direct response to student feedback and requests for extended opening and this requirement is further supported by the response in the recent Library survey where 62% of Library users completing the survey indicated 24 hour opening would be their first choice.”

A number of major improvements to the Library have been announced, including a £1.5 million project to refurbish the entrance, as well as the refurbishment of Floors 3 and 4. Library Café will also be expanded into the courtyard area opposite the Social Science building.

Jawad Safdar, a third-year Management student, said: “It’s unhealthy to sit at a desk for hours on end and I go out of my way to have a periodic stretch and walkabout to prevent back, neck and eye pains. The Library should be encouraging healthy learning practices, not stipulating people to stay glued to their seats.

For more information and student views about library complaints and study space, watch the video below, as part of a Boar-SIBE collaboration.