1 week Ago
A petition has been started against cuts to a university library’s opening hours. The University of Brighton has reduced the amount of time students can access St Peter’s House Library in Richmond Place, Brighton, by 36 hours a week, the petition states. The library will no longer be open on Saturdays or weekday evenings, opening from 9am until 6pm Monday to Friday.
Eleanor Giles, who launched the petition, said the decision means 438 fewer hours of study time at the library this term. She said: “Back in 2021, there was a free university bus that connected the campuses and St Peter's House stayed open until midnight every night. University management has since reduced access hours three times and removed the bus while the cost of being a student continues to rise.
“They are funding other campus facilities to stay open later and are forcing students into paying to take the night bus or walk in the dark just to access a computer or a safe place to study. READ MORE: University boss calls for end to overseas student family ban over 'financial peril' “During deadline periods, the library used to be packed, and diverting an entire campus of students to the two remaining night libraries that exist for other schools of study will make it even harder for all students across the university to work. “This is taking a toll on our ability to study, succeed, our safety and finances.
” The change.org petition has amassed almost 400 signatures to date. A spokeswoman for the University of Brighton said: “The adjustments to opening hours at St Peter’s Library follow the relocation of our School of Humanities and Social Sciences from City campus to Moulsecoomb campus.
“As part of this move, books and other study materials for humanities and social sciences courses were moved from St Peter’s Library to Aldrich Library at Moulsecoomb. “To meet current needs, St Peter’s House Library now operates during peak hours —9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and 12pm to 4pm on Sundays. Additional study space is available locally, with computer rooms at our Edward Street building open into the evenings.
“Students can also access a wide range of online resources for flexible study options. READ MORE: Residents "up in arms" as school unveils plans for two new developments “Recent school relocations to the Moulsecoomb and Falmer campuses have resulted in increased hours in Aldrich Library with study space available until midnight or 24/7 during terms and until midnight during breaks. “The Falmer Computer Room is also open until midnight year-round, excluding bank holidays.
All students can use any campus library to borrow and return books. “St Peter’s House Library has historically been popular among students from other institutions and members of the public and a survey conducted last year found that very few evening users were University of Brighton students. “We welcome student feedback and encourage students to share their thoughts with us so we can explore possible solutions together.
“However, any adjustments to opening hours would rely on consistent student use of the facilities.”.
