The University Library opened for 24 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, for two weeks from 1st – 11th December 2008. The two weeks of 24-hour opening was to help mitigate against the disruption and impact on the quality of the student experience during the pile driving period of the Sparkhouse 2 project. The extended opening offered an alternative option to students who may have had difficulty studying during the pile driving, in one of the busiest periods of the year.
Initial evaluation of data gathered from the access management system shows occupancy levels in week 2 were higher than in week 1, with average occupancy at midnight being 47% and 28% of the daily maximum, respectively (see figures 1 and 2).
Figure 1 Occupancy w/c 1st December
Figure 2 Occupancy w/c 8th December
Occupancy levels in week 1 were lower than in week 2, with average occupancy at midnight being 28% and 47% of the daily maximum respectively. Patterns of use were regular across both weeks with maximum night time occupancy achieved at midnight (equivalent to day time occupancy levels at approximately 10am and most popular days being Tuesday and Wednesday.
Comparison with data from 2007 shows a drop in overall occupancy (average 6%) despite increased opening hours. This is consistent with experiences of academic libraries across the sector and relects increased access to, and availability of, electronic content and services.
