24 hour libraries to be restored in May

The trial period of 24 hour opening at Edinburgh University’s George Square library over the Christmas exam period has been hailed a success by university bosses.

The library, which normally closes at midnight, was opened around the clock during the December exam diet.

Sheila Cannell, director of library services spoke to The Journal about the popularity of the pilot scheme:

“What we do know is that the average use at 1am was about 250 people, reducing through the night until about 6am, when there were an average of about 50 people. After 6am, the average figure starts to rise again.

“The busiest nights were from the week beginning Monday 7 December to Monday 14 December.”

Forms which the students completed and the use of the facilities are in the process of being analysed.

However, EUSA’s vice president of academic affairs Evan Beswick told The Journal: “By any measure, the 24 hour library trial was an obvious success, enabling plenty of students to study in comfort at times that suited them.

“I've had around 100 e-mails from students saying how useful it was, which is more than I've had on any single issue.”

And the success of the Chritmas scheme means that the trial will be repeated in the summer.

Ms Cannell said: “There will be 24/7 opening around the next exams with the exact weeks still to be determined.”

However, Mr Beswick believes that the extended opening period must take into account different timetables: “It's a shame that some people, particularly medics, have returned after Christmas to find restricted hours in the week before their exams.

“Plenty of universities around the country have already realised that student populations are now so large and diverse that you can't cater for everyone's needs by picking hours that's most convenient for the institution to open. I hope Edinburgh now realises the same.”

Similar success was seen at Heriot-Watt University where the library is definitely opening 24 hours next exam time.

Simon Eltringham, president of HWUSA, told The Journal: “This was a huge success. I don't have the exact figures from it but usage was up by a very high percentage.

“It isn't permanent but there is funding for 24 hour opening again before and during the Summer exams.”

Library usage at Edinburgh has been on the rise since a first floor redevelopment was opened in last summer.

Ms Cannell said: “The use of the Main Library has shown significant increases since the redeveloped ground floor re-opened.

“Overall, there is an increase of about one third. However, there are some peaks, for example in week eight, the usage increased by 54 percent over the previous year.

“On one day in week eight, the footfall of people entering the Main Library was 10,000—prior to the redevelopment, the highest recorded footfall was 5,000.

“The HUB books are being used more and the pods are used very well all the time. Groups of three or more should feel empowered to ask single users to move.

“The first floor will be re-opening on Thursday 28 January and we will welcome students to special events on that day.

“The first floor will have a large quiet study space at the front of the building. This space will have both computers and desks.

“On the south side of the first floor there is the uCreate service, 12 more study pods arranged in a circle, 15 accessibility rooms, and casual seating.

“We hope that students enjoy the first floor as much as they obviously enjoy the ground floor.”