Noise in library drives students to Adam House

The Journal

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Edinburgh University students have successfully campaigned for measures to be introduced to combat disruptive building work on the main library during exam periods.

Fourth Year students, Mark Reyner and Victoria Stewart organised a petition and Facebook group to highlight the problems caused by the high levels of noise pollution and drilling vibrations.

Although the petition was set up independently of Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA), the students’ association have been in constant discussion with the library about providing supplementary study areas for students at exam times whilst work is underway at the library.

Thomas Graham, Academic Services Convenor for EUSA, told The Journal: “I'm pleased that the petition was so successful, it's an excellent example of the members and the students' association working well together to get a positive result for students.”

The petition was crucial in indicating the extensive student demand for substitute study areas, making it possible for EUSA to pressure the library into action.

EUSA organised a meeting with the Director of Library Services, Shelia Cannell to discuss the problems students are experiencing from the disturbances.

Ms Cannell expected that the bulk of building work carried out leading up to and during the exam period would cause minimal disruption.

However, as noise-levels remained high, the Main Library has responded to students demands by introducing procedures that help reduce the degree of disturbances.

Substitute study areas have been provided in Adam House, Chambers Street between Monday 26 November and Sunday 2 December.

It is anticipated, because Adam House from Monday 3 December 2007 will be in use for exams that additional study space on Buccleuch Place will be offered to students.

Mr Graham and members of the Information Services at the Academic Services Liaison Group met with Ms Cannell on Wednesday 28 November to discuss plans for the summer exam period

It is expected that there should be no heavy building work during the exam time, with the removal of asbestos to ensure a phase of "quiet work".

Mr Graham told The Journal: “I'm hopeful that, following discussions I have had this week with library staff, disruption and building work during the summer exams will be kept to a minimum, with additional study space also being made available."

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