Having listened to your feedback, we announced last month that we would be launching a new scheme to both encourage health study practice and to combat the issue of desk-hogging in the Library.
Today, our new Study Break Passes come into effect: if you are planning on leaving your belongings unattended you will need to make sure you’ve displayed one of our passes on the desk where you are working. This will enable you to leave your things for up to 30 minutes in the knowledge that they won’t be moved.
However, if you don’t display a pass with your belongings, or more than 30 minutes has elapsed since the time on your card, other users are free to move your items aside so that they can use the space for themselves.
Details of the scheme can be found on the Study Break tab within our Library Essentials LibGuide, and we’ve anticipated some of your questions below. If we haven’t answered your question please email us on library@sgul.ac.uk
Why are you introducing this scheme?
We know that all of our users have different study preferences and meeting these needs can be a real challenge for Library staff. This issue is often made more difficult when other library users have left their belongings unattended to ‘reserve’ a desk. We hope that the cards will indicate which study spaces are actively being used and empower users to move belongings that are unattended. In essence, we want the scheme to encourage and maintain fair use of our study spaces.
We’re also keen to promote healthy study habits. Many of you are spending longer hours in the Library and will need to take a break from time to time. We hope that these cards will encourage you to “study healthy” and take regular breaks, without worrying your belongings might be moved.
Where can I find the study break passes?
When you need a break, you can collect one of the passes from the Library Helpdesk or the RED. Just write down the time you left your desk on the card and make sure it’s visible to anyone passing by.
The passes have been designed for multiple uses, so once you are finished with one, please return it to a member of staff.
What spaces are covered by the study break passes?
At the moment, the scheme will apply in the main Library study spaces and not the computer rooms. This also includes the seating in the Library foyer by the Helpdesk. The scheme will run all year round – it won’t be restricted to busy periods.
What if I forget to leave a pass on my desk?
This is a new initiative in the Library, so you may well forget from time to time. However, if belongings are left without a study pass, fellow Library users, staff and security will have no way of knowing how long they have been left there. Therefore it’s possible that they may be moved (or removed) before the 30 minute time limit.
If the time indicated on the pass has been exceeded by a reasonable time, or there is a lack of study space available, then belongings may be removed and placed behind the Helpdesk.
What if I don’t feel comfortable moving someone else’s belongings?
That’s understandable. If you don’t feel comfortable moving someone else’s belongings, you can ask a member of Security or Helpdesk staff for assistance.
It has always been they case that any belongings left in the Library are done so at the user’s own risk – the Library does not take responsibility for any items that are unattended.
You should always take valuable belongings with you when you leave the Library (e.g. purses, phones, devices, laptops etc.)
What if I just need a 5 minute toilet break?
It’s worth your while noting a time on a study pass anyway, even if you only plan to be away for a few minutes. While it’s unlikely your belongings will be moved, as we mention above, other users or staff will have no way of knowing how long you plan to be. Besides, we know all too well how easy it is to bump into a friend en route, or add a coffee stop on to your journey . This way, you’ll be covered if other events get in the way!
Can I report belongings that have been left been left unattended?
Yes you can. Our daytime security staff are back and will be patrolling the spaces during the day, so please feel free to let them know. You can also let a member of Library staff know at either the main Helpdesk or the RED during staffed hours.
The information featured here can also be found on our Library Esssentials LibGuide, under Study Breaks. If you have any questions about the scheme, please email us on library@sgul.ac.uk
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