Items left at unattended desks will be cleared after 60 minutes to prevent “desk hogging”, the College Library has announced.
In a post on social media today, the Library said that stewards will be monitoring library spaces “to ensure everyone has fair access to desk time in our high-demand reading rooms”.
Students have reported finding leaflets on their desk upon returning to them after a period of time, noting that if the student fails to return to their desk within 60 minutes, their belongings will be moved to a designated storage area on the same floor.
The time that the leaflet was placed on the desk is written on the leaflet, alongside a time at which the students’ personal belongings will be cleared should they fail to return within the 60 minute slot.
Library stewards have been observed patrolling the libraries for unattended belongings on desks.
Students have been advised to back up their work regularly, as this includes laptops and other portable devices.
Originally introduced in 2019, the Library Study Space Campaign campaign aims to create a “pleasant study environment for all readers” and ensure a “level playing field for those who come to the library to study and prepare for exams”.
It was added that “the library shall not be held responsible for damaged or stolen belongings”.
The campaign was launched in the Berkeley, Lecky, Ussher, John Stearne and Hamilton Libraries.
