Thank you for getting in touch with us regarding the Marjorie Robinson Library opening hours, and for your compliments on the space. I can assure you the decision to reduce opening hours was not made lightly, and I understand that you value the Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms and the space it provides. However, due to University-wide budget constraints, we have been required to review staffing levels and how we deliver services across our different library sites. 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 showed that in comparison to the Philip Robinson Library, evening usage at Marjorie Robinson Library Rooms is significantly lower. In light of this, and to ensure we continue to provide high-quality services where they are most needed, we are 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. 

Staff are required to remind users that the building will be closing at 5pm as part of their close down procedure, but should not be asking anyone to leave before then, and I will remind them of this so you can make full use of the building opening hours. 

Best regards,

Susan Willcox

Assistant Librarian, Customer Services