UEA library is expanding

With an ever increasing influx of freshers, the library this year has been like the academic equivalent of a Japanese rush-hour subway train, just piling in people until there’s no space to actually breathe. Alas, UEA Library announced on Twitter the most joyous news yet of this most wonderful time of the year: it’s expanding.

The library is going to add more desks and study spaces for students to get DTF (Down To Focus) on their work. The University understands that “it has been recognised that there is a need to create significant  additional space for students to study”. More specifically, “the plans involve using movable shelving on Floor 02, allowing journals and books to be stored in a more space-efficient way and creating an opportunity to provide a mix of individual and collaborative learning spaces on Floor 01”.

This new year’s resolution will be carried out in the summer of 2017. However, additional bookable study rooms wll be available on floor 02 in January.

Edgy angle

Undergraduate Education Officer Theo Antonio-Phillips went on Livewire last week to discuss the needs for an extension of space, he commented on the success of his pledge:

“The Vice Chancellor has been talking about a long term vision for campus expansion — including a potential extension to the Library — for some time; but we know there are problems now that need solutions now.

“The top priority in my SU polls, SU research and individual comments to us has been Library space — so we’ve worked with the fantastic management team in the Library to lobby for the funding to refurbish a couple of the floors to create up to 200 extra study spaces. It’s a great example of what can happen when students get involved and use their voice through the SU.”

New study space is also being introduced all across campus: “So that final year students don’t miss out, we’re also lobbying the University on the creation of temporary study space capacity around campus for the post-Easter pinch period and we hope to have an announcement on this in the new year.” It’s good to know your boy Theo has your back.