Friday 26-04-2019 - 13:29

Just before the Easter break it was announced that there would be a temporary reduction in the number of study seats available at the Arts and Social Sciences Library (ASSL) pending urgent building works. Nasra Ayub, Undergraduate Education Officer, met with Library Services to clarify what arrangements were being made to provide suitable alternative study spaces. Bristol SU has been working closely with the University to ensure that good options are available. We've put together these FAQs so that you know what’s going on:

 

What is happening in the ASSL? 

Following a report from an external consultant and based on advice from University of Bristol fire safety officers it has been recommended that remedial works are carried out to provide safe evacuation of the building in the unlikely event of a fire. 

 

Why is it happening now? 

Until these works are completed, the number of study seats must be reduced to manage the number of people in the building. This work needs to be completed as a matter of urgency so that we can start the new academic year at the higher occupancy level. 

 

Is it safe to be in the building? 

Yes. The university are following expert advice to ensure that the building is safe. 

 

How many spaces will be available in ASSL now/over the exams?  

500 study seats will be available from April 18 through to completion of the works in September. Until work is complete it is essential that we restrict the number of study seats available.   

However, we have managed to agree use of additional spaces, to ensure that lost seats are re-provided elsewhere in order to ensure your studies are not disrupted at this critical time of year. 

Regrettably if you do not have a seat to sit at in the ASSL you cannot remain in the building; you will be able to come in to collect or return books and use the printing facilities but you will not be able to sit on the floor or the stairs if you cannot find a vacant study seat.  

 

Where can I go if I can’t find a seat? 

Library staff will be able to offer suggestions for other spaces for you to study. 

Alternative study spaces have been arranged to ensure that there are plenty of options, these include Senate House teaching spaces, Ivy Gate, the temporary classrooms in Royal Fort Gardens and additional opening of the Hawthorns study lounge and bar. Details of these spaces will be available on a new web page:  https://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/locations-opening/outerspace/

 

Where else can I work on campus? 

Details of other libraries and study centres can be found at: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/library/locations-opening/

Some study spaces are based within academic Schools and residences so check locally to find out what is available.  

 

Can I save a space at ASSL? 

No, it will not be possible to reserve seats, and at this time it is particularly important that everyone uses the available spaces fairly.  

To promote healthy study habits ‘Take a break’ cards will be available on all the desks to enable you to be away from your seat for up to 45 minutes; if you are going to leave the library for a longer period please clear the desk you are using so that others can use the space.

If you use a ‘Take a break’ card and are not back within 45 minutes another student may move your things to one side and take the space for their own use. 

 

What provisions will still be available in the ASSL? 

All the usual services will be available in the ASSL: Assistive Technology Room, Accessible Group Study Room, Café, Computer Rooms, Group Study Rooms, Laptop Loans, Library Support, IT Service Desk, Research Postgraduate Room, Printing and Copying, Quick Stop PCs, Special Collections.  

Specialist staff from the Study Skills, Library Support and Subject Librarian teams will still be based on site if you need to meet with them for help and advice. 

 

Will the library still be open 24 hours? 

Yes, normal 24/7 exam opening will be maintained with access to all floors. The Hawthorns Study Centre also offers 24/7 opening. 

It is not anticipated that the demand for study spaces during the out of hours periods will be affected by the reduced seats in the ASSL. 

 

Will book returns/collections be affected? 

No, you can return and collect books in the usual way. 

 

Will access to collections be affected? 

No, you will still have full access to the collections. The only restriction is that you will need to have a study seat if you wish to remain in the building to work. 

 

Where can I find charging points, powered workstations and computers? 

Self-service laptop loans are available from lockers to the rear of the ground floor. You will still have access to the two computer rooms and the quick stop PCs on the ground floor. The majority of the 500 study seats have power to the desks.  

All of the desks in the Ivy Gate building have power connectivity. 

 

Will the café be affected? 

The café will be open for business as usual although the seating in this area will be reduced between April and September. 

 

When will the building works take place? What about the noise? 

Building works will not start until after Monday 10 June. As soon as the order of works has been agreed more information on scheduling of the programme including noisy works will be available. Noisy works will be timed to minimise impact on those studying and working in the building and alternative spaces will offer quieter options for those that need to study and research over the summer. 

 

How long will the works take? 

The aim is to complete the programme of works in time for the start of the academic year in September. 

 

What will availability be like over the summer months when PG students are in write up? 

The number of study seats available in ASSL will remain at 500.  Over the summer there are several other libraries within close proximity that offer quiet alternatives as spaces to study. These include The Biological Sciences and Physics Libraries in Tyndall Avenue and the Chemistry Library in Cantocks Close. 

 

Who can I contact if I have additional questions? 

Nasra Ayub, Undergraduate Education Officer - nasra.ayub@bristol.ac.uk

Shubham Singh, Postgraduate Education Officer - shubham.singh@bristol.ac.uk