Heriot-Watt University Library is preparing to remain open 24 hours a day on a trial basis, to meet the high demands of its students during exams.

The decision to run a pilot scheme for 24 hour opening was taken following a proposal from Student Facing Services.

Simon Eltringham, president of Heriot-Watt University Students' Association said: "Study space and facilities ranked highly on my manifesto pledges and these were some of the first things Steve Chapman, the new principal, and I discussed.

“The extended library opening hours are just one of the projects that the students association have been working very closely with the university on this year.

“We have developed an excellent working relationship with Steve Chapman who is really championing change for students. These changes will have a real and significant impact on Heriot-Watt students now and in the future. This is a real win for the students of Heriot-Watt.”

Chapman left the post of vice-principal for resources at the University of Edinburgh in July to take up his new role.

The decisions followed ongoing requests from students and information gathered from various library user surveys and national student surveys.

University of Edinburgh information services have also announced that the George Sqaure library will also be open 24 hours for a trial period during this semester’s exams.

Edinburgh University Student Associtaion vice-president for academic affairs Evan Beswick told The Journal: "I'm really pleased that we've been able to win a trial of 24-hour library opening during the exam period, and I hope many members of our hugely diverse student body benefit from the access to books and to a comfortable working space at the hours they need them.

“However, while this is a good step forward, we're still in a position whereby the decision to open the library longer is left in the hands of information services who, rightly, would rather spend their budget on books.

“We're way behind most Russell Group universities on this; we are behind Heriot-Watt on this; and we are behind the wishes of students at a 21st century university."

Funding has been granted from Student Facing Services and the pilot scheme at Heriot-Watt will run during the busy revision and exam periods of Monday 30 November to Friday 18 December 2009 and Monday 5 April to Friday 21 May 2010.

Heriot-Watt staff will monitor how often and when the students use the library’s 24-hour facilities. The Riccarton campus’ resources manager Iain Young told The Journal: “We would consider extending the pilot scheme depending on usage and funding.”

Heriot-Watt student Hannah Sharkey said: "I think it’s really great that we now have extended library hours during exam periods like other university libraries.

"Although we shouldn’t be spending full nights in the library, all students know that once you get into the swing of working or revising, it’s easier to continue rather than stop and restart later.

“Having a 24-hour library enables us to do this. It’s also great for students both on and off campus who have noisy neighbours to be able to escape at any hours to the library and work in peace—especially in the lead up to exams."

Fellow student and volunteer at the student association, Michael Bottom said: “I often find I do my best studying later on in the evening after a volunteer shift. Having 24-hour access to the library will fit perfectly into my study regime."