New ‘Space Hog’ initiative hits the library

A brand new ‘Space Hog’ initiative has been introduced and implemented as a result of a shortage of study space on campus, especially in the library.

A frequent complaint in regard to the library in Term 3 is the amount of spaces that are reserved, but then left unoccupied for hours.

In order to combat this issue, stewards will leave a note with a time on in a space they believe is being reserved. If 40 minutes later the note is still there, another notice will be put in the space with the space-hogging hedgehog saying that the space is available for other students to use.

The ‘Space Hog’ hedgehog to look out for. Photo: Warwick SU

In a blog post, education officer Charlie Hindhaugh explained: “One of the most common complaints is students reserving space and leaving it empty for hours. It’s frustrating at the best of times, but now that the Library is getting even busier, space-hogging is incredibly unfair to everyone.”

He continued: “When it comes to finding a way to reduce space-hogging, there’s a fine line between being too draconian (e.g. preventing students from leaving to go for a coffee break) and discouraging people from reserving spaces for their mates and leaving them empty for hours.

“What we’ve therefore come up with is a campaign that tackles students who excessively hog space and highlights spaces when they’re available!”

The ‘Space Hog’ initiative is in place as of today, the first day back of Term 3.

Several other developments in the services provided by the Library and Learning Grids have been made in time for the exam season, too.

From Monday 18 April, the Library will be open for students to use 24/7, and the Leamington Learning grid will also have longer opening hours from Monday 25 April. These will be 10am-10pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends.

More study space on campus has also been made available, including 60 more study spaces in the library – including quiet spaces – as well as additional seating in the Rootes Grid.

Various rooms will also be booked out during the term to use as private study spaces, and the Students’ Union Headquarters has too been equipped with tables for studying.

Charlie Hindhaugh’s blog post also stated that there has been a rise in thefts occurring on campus. Due to this, students have been warned to be especially cautious with belongings such as laptops this exam season.