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XEPOSÉ E THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER’S INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1987
Study space struggle: Books lose their seats
18 MAY 2015 | ISSUE 639 | TWITTER: @EXEPOSE | WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/EXEPOSE | FREE
• Academic anger over potential loss of library resources • Library staff label book burning rumour “insulting” Photo: Edwin Yeung
U
NIVERSITY academics have expressed concern about the removal of books from the Forum Library as a result of the planned addition of extra study spaces. Library staff have revealed plans to remove less popular texts from the library and scale down identical copies of unpopular books in order to accommodate increased study space. The methods of disposal for removed
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books used by the library have been called into question by academics. Exeposé were made aware of ‘book burning’ as being a potential method for the disposal of removed books. When questioned about the rumour, Head of Library Claire Powne labelled the accusations “insulting” to librarians and commented that it is “really unhelpful” for such rumours to be spread. She said: “We know that some aspects of necessary library space management can be misinterpreted and want the academic community to be aware of the
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Susannah Keogh News Editor
T
• Library plans book removal to accommodate study space
Eamonn Crowe Deputy Editor
Animal research on campus to increase
scope of work required to meet all expectations of what the Library should offer.” Despite this clarification from Library management, Henry French, Head of History, said that his department has “remaining concerns” about the developments. Dr French listed his concerns in an email to Exeposé, stating his dissatisfaction with the University’s ‘Digital First’ policy, claiming that online versions of texts “do not always offer proper coverage of illustrations, maps, or prefatory material”. Other academics have voiced similar
fears. Lecturer in nineteenth-century literature Dr Emily Bernhard-Jackson said: “My concern is that the library may start getting rid of actual books… and many of those books are, truly, irreplaceable.” Academics have also voiced fears that study space for students is being prioritised over the preservation of extensive physical research collections. Dr Bernhard-Jackson described study space as “often only a place for students to eat, drink, and settle in to use the computer... for hours and hours”. She...
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HE University have confirmed that they will be increasing the overall number of animals used for research on campus. In an open meeting on Wednesday 6 May attended by the Animal Welfare Society and Exeposé, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research Nick Talbot confirmed that this was due to the ongoing expansion of the University. Talbot qualified that animal research per academic staff member will reduce, in line with Home Office regulations. Exeposé understands, however, that this will not lead to a reduction in animal numbers overall. The University has stated their commitment to openness and transparency over research that involves animals. A University of Exeter spokesman said: “It is important to reiterate our commitment to the ‘3Rs’, Reduction, Refinement and Replacement. “Examples of this already include reducing the involvement of animals whenever and wherever possible through computer simulations and statistical modelling.” The meeting on 6 May occurred in part as a result of efforts by the Animal Welfare Society, who have continually campaigned for greater transparency from the University on the issue. In November last year, a Student Idea submitted by the society requested more ethical means of research at Exeter, including...
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