Still no sign of our 24 hour library

We’re still lacking the all day and night library we were promised.

It was the one thing us, Diamond and AUSA  agreed on – but Aberdeen still hasn’t jumped on the bandwagon.

It’s been a thorn in the side of sabbatical officers for years with many voicing concerns about the library not being fit for purpos – namely the current sabb Rob Henthorn.

And in February of this year students rejoiced when it was reported there was a plan to extend the library’s opening hours.

Sir Ian said yes to the 24 hour library, so where is it?

Frankly, it doesn’t seem like a big ask when UCL, Oxford, Newcastle and even Manchester Met have 24 hour library access.

And in Scotland, both Glasgow’s and Edinburgh’s libraries are open for three hours longer than ours.

Many would prefer to see opening hours that accommodate night-0wls. Engineering student Veronika said: “I heard that the library was only opening 24 hour during exam time, but I would prefer if it was open later or 24 hour all year round.

“I work best at night and know a lot of other people that do to.”

YOU PROMISED

But others don’t set their sights so high, and would be content with occasional longer hours. Fourth year Kirsten said: “I heard that the library couldn’t open later due to staffing problems, but I’d probably only use it at exam times.”

And second year Geology student Lauren said: “I only use the library during exam times or essays, I would like it to be open longer then.”

And some have been beaten down by the system, and have forgotten how to dream.  Second year Thomas: “I wasn’t aware the library was opening 24 hours, I only stay during the day anyway.”

A University of Aberdeen spokesperson said: “From November 23 to the end of the exam period the library will conduct a pilot on 24 hour opening and during this period the library will be open 24 hours.

“Library staff are currently putting in place the infrastructure such as staffing and cleaning to support this pilot.”

Preach it

But the staff seem unaware. One librarian said: “There was talk of 24 hour opening but nothing has been confirmed.”

And another added: “There is talk of 24 hour opening for this exam period, but I am not sure if it will happen till the exams in summer.”

Education and Employability President, Rob Henthorn, is as optimistic as ever: “So I expect there to see some trialing of longer opening hours this academic year so that permanent changes can be based on actual usage rather than keeping it open needlessly.

“The library staff are working up proposals for revised opening hours at the moment, and that will include some student engagement over what those hours should look like.

“The Principal personally said he would like to see a move towards 24hr opening (which is what I announced back in February).

“My guess is that we’ll see something like 24/5 opening getting a test-run in the next semester.

“Obviously this stuff takes time because it’s so much about staffing changes and long-term strategy for the library, so nothing is set in stone yet.

“I think making sure the Taylor Library has more appropriate hours for Law students, and improving the medical library services at Polwarth have to be priorities too.”