Exeter College Library has temporarily revoked its 24-hour opening privileges after “an accumulation of unacceptable breaches of the Library rules”.
In an email sent out to all junior members on Tuesday, the Fellow Librarian, Fara Dabhoiwala, informed students that the Library would only be open during staffed, week-day hours for the remainder of the week because of breaches of the Library rules.
In the email she stated that: “In recent weeks there has been an accumulation of unacceptable breaches of the Library rules, and disrespect of the Library’s staff.
“In accordance with College rules, I am therefore temporarily withdrawing the privilege of 24-hour opening.
“For the remainder of this week, the Library will be open during normal, staffed, week-day hours, i.e. 9.00 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. It will be closed after 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It will also remain closed on Saturday and Sunday.”
The 24-hour opening privilege will be reinstated on Monday 31st March, however, the College have warned that if there are any further incidents of eating, drinking, or inappropriate behaviour, it will be withdrawn again.
The Librarian went on to say, “I am well aware that not everyone breaks the rules; and also that it may be a serious hardship to some students if the Library has to be closed again out of hours during Trinity Term. But unstaffed out-of-hours opening can only work if the junior members of the College collectively take responsibility for treating the Library and its staff with respect.”
The College Rector, Frances Cairncross, commented, “Students working for exams are, as always, able to borrow books and to study in their rooms.”
