The Library of Trinity College Dublin (the Library) has announced its plan to open the first, second and third floors of Kinsella Hall in the Ussher Library to students as a 24 hour study space during the supplemental exam period.
Supplemental exams will take place between Monday August 19 and Friday August 30, for those students who either missed or are required to repeat an exam.
The first floor of Kinsella Hall has remained open as a 24 hour study space throughout the summer, while the opening of the second and third floors will create an extra 350 study spaces for throughout the exam period.
Trinity College Dublin Students’ Union (TCDSU) have confirmed that the extra study space was secured following consultations between library staff and TCDSU Education Officer Niamh McCay.
Speaking to Trinity News, McCay explained that she “outlined the importance of space needed for studying, especially as during the summer period students will be working so will need to avail of 24hr study space in particular”.
She added: “If we find that students need more space, the SU will be organizing extra study spaces.”
McCay also confirmed that she has already begun discussions regarding library opening times during the Christmas and summer exam periods.
During the exams, the Library will operate a change-over period at 4.45pm between normal library opening hours and 24 hour study space. During this change-over, all personal belongings must be removed from the second and third floors.
The 1937 Reading Room will remain open as a 24 hour study space for the use of postgraduate students.
During the recent summer exam period in April, the Library’s opening hours were reduced over the Easter bank holiday weekend immediately preceding the start of exams. The move was widely criticised by students and led to large queues forming outside the Berkeley Library’s front entrance ahead of its opening time.
Exam periods regularly see overcrowding in
the library, with students unable to find a seat. Some students “save” seats during these busy periods by leaving their belongings on desks for an extended length of time, sometimes spanning overnight.
A report published by College in June stated that discussions are ongoing between the Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, the Dean of Students, TCDSU’s President and Library staff around turning the Hamilton Library into 24 hour study space.
