Stand Up: Ewan McCubbin, Library Gossip

The Library has undergone a huge makeover in the last few years, arguably overtaking Ma Bells, and even Dervish, as the place to see and be seen in St Andrews. […]


The Library has undergone a huge makeover in the last few years, arguably overtaking Ma Bells, and even Dervish, as the place to see and be seen in St Andrews. Zala catches up with Ewan to learn more about library livin’.

So what’s the story behind the SILENCE signs?

We thought very carefully about them, and when they went up at first I thought, ‘oh my God, this is too much!’, but my colleague commented that they are a statement and not an instruction. It acts as a visual reminder. And we loved the STAR’s video featuring the signs!

Why such strict rules on food on the upper floors?

Prior to 2010, the Library didn’t allow anything but water. But allowing coffee was definitely the right thing to do, it’s more popular and I know I wouldn’t be as happy without a cup of coffee on my desk!

How do you feel about the fact that the Library is one of the biggest social spots in St Andrews?

We are very comfortable with the idea that the Library has become a social space. We wanted to give people the choice, where you have the option of everything in one building. It has been a success; footfall went up by 50% last year when we refurbished the bottom floor!

What do you have to say about the demon gates from hell?

The problem wasn’t the gates, it was the cards…but it has been fixed within the last couple of weeks. We hope that students realise that there’s a reason we have a system, to be able to control access and student safety – there have been significantly fewer thefts since their introduction.

We are also keen to collect data and eventually share this information online so students can be aware of how many people are in the library, when peak times are, and so on.

The breaking news these days is the 24-hour exam period opening…?

Yep, this is only the second time it has been done. Last time was 9 years ago, and it was not very well advertised or successful.

Rumour has it that sleepover parties will be planned. How will you be dealing with this, and what’s the policy on onesies and duvets?

Don’t come with your sleeping bags please! We don’t have a policy at the moment but if people come in in their pyjamas and slippers, we will discourage it. I like all the ‘are you going to live at the Library?’ chat, but we’re not providing people with an alternative to their beds. Don’t come prepared for a long nights’ sleep!

The Stand’s advertising of the 24-hour opening times has been greeted with very positive feedback. Is there anything else you’re planning to announce?

We will push some more specific messages during exam time, especially “no card, no access between 2 and 8am”, a general principle which will probably be introduced all year round from some point during second semester. When we start doing that, students who forget their card will be given a one-day temporary access pass but only 3 of these passes will be issued during a single year.  After that point, you won’t be allowed in.

During 24/7 there won’t be any temporary passes available – if you turn up or want to leave between 2 and 8 without your card, we’ll not let you in (or out).  We’ll put banners up at the door to remind you. And no sleeping bags!*

Are you planning on keeping the 24-hour opening times if it’s successful during the exam period?

We do not plan to introduce 24-hour openings throughout the academic year at this stage. If it’s successful then we will commit to doing it during exams. 2am closing times seem to have satisfied most, but if there’s a demand, we will keep an open mind. 

 

*Information regarding access passes has been amended.