The University’s decision to re-introduce a booking system for the Bill Bryson and Barker Research Library will have numerous negative effects on students, and is a disproportionate response to the current Covid situation.

• It will have a negative impact on student mental health, adding pressure to degrees which are already demanding.
• A maximum of 30 hours per week is fewer than many students would use in the library, averaging just over four hour per day.
• The online booking system is taxing to use, and allows little flexibility. The need to re-book after four hours and move seats is impractical.
• Seats in the Bill Bryson are highly variable and the system gives no choice.
• The reasons for the University’s decision have not been clearly communicated.
• The University’s definition of ‘essential’ is not clear and seems unreasonable given most parts of higher education were classed as ‘non-essential’ by the Government.
• With very few other restrictions in place, the library policies will have little to no effect in stopping the spread of Covid. 
• The decision represents the third academic year where restrictions have impacted student life, and this should be considered.
• Students pay for unlimited access to Durham’s libraries. If it is not mandated by the Government for the University to restrict access to the library, students should be financially remunerated.
• Students have highly variable working environments in their homes.

We want the University to take away this unnecessary system.