Thank you for getting in touch with us regarding the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms opening hours. In response to university-wide budgetary constraints, the library has undertaken a detailed review of staffing levels and service delivery. As part of this process, we carefully considered opening hours across all our library sites, using rich occupancy data and student feedback to guide our approach. Our analysis clearly showed that students consistently value and make extensive use of Philip Robinson Library particularly during evenings and weekends. In contrast, usage of the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms is significantly lower in the evenings.

In light of this, and to ensure we continue to provide high-quality services where they are most needed, we will be focusing on staffing resources at the Philip Robinson and Walton libraries, and we have taken the difficult decision to reduce opening hours at Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms. These changes do mean we can continue to offer term-time 24/7 opening at the nearby Philip Robinson Library, which occupancy data demonstrates has more than enough capacity to accommodate current demand for Library study spaces after 5pm. It will also help to reduce energy consumption in underutilised buildings, as part our ongoing commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. 

I understand that you value the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms and the space it provides, and I can assure you the decision to reduce the opening hours was not made lightly.

Best regards,

Susan Willcox

Assistant Librarian, Customer Services