Following a successful trial last December, your libraries are making some adjustments to your Singleton Park and Bay Campus Libraries opening and staffing hours.
As a digital-first Library, we know most of you prefer to access support, content, and information online. We also understand when and how you make use of our in-person services and spaces. These changes are based on usage data, helping us align opening hours more closely with how you use the libraries.
Therefore, there will be temporary hours for September (1st September – 28th September), new hours from October onwards (covering Semester 1), and enhanced hours surrounding assessment periods.
From 1st September – 28th September the Park and Bay Libraries will be open:
- Monday – Friday, 8AM – 8PM.
- Saturday – Sunday, 12PM – 8PM.
From October onwards (covering Semester 1), the Park and Bay Libraries will be open:
- Monday – Friday, 8AM – 12AM.
- Saturday – Sunday, 12PM – 8PM.
January assessment period*, Park and Bay Libraries will be open:
- Monday – Friday, 7AM – 2AM.
- Saturday – Sunday, 8AM – 12AM.
*These hours will run for the three term-time weeks before and during the January assessment period. Further information in the May assessment period will be communicated in 2026.
Throughout all these periods the Library Information Desks will be staffed:
- Monday – Friday, 9AM – 5PM.
Vacation hours will vary around public holidays and University closure dates.
Why are opening hours changing?
We know the library is an important space for many of you, so we make sure any changes to opening hours are carefully thought out. After reviewing how and when students are using the space, we’ve made some adjustments to make sure the library is running in a way that best supports your needs now, and throughout the academic year.
- How the space is being used: Our data shows that student use of the library has changed in recent years, with much lower numbers on site at certain times of day and night. To make sure we’re providing the right support while also being responsible with resources, we’ve updated our opening hours to better match when the space is being used most. This also allows us to make sure we’re reducing carbon emissions down and helping the University meet its sustainability goals.
- Digital first: Almost all library services can be accessed online, and it’s great to see you making the most of them, with over 819,000 e-book accesses in 2024. We’ll continue to provide both digital and physical resources, but we know that the convenience of online access is a big part of how you study.
Continuing to focus our services, efforts and resources on the things that matter most to you is our top priority. Concentrated in-person support available when you need it, and uninterrupted online access to over a million resources.
We will be monitoring your feedback, alongside the Students’ Union, as well as occupancy rates in both Libraries, this will help guide our approach for Semester 2 and future years.
We will be back in touch during Semester 1 for a further update. If you have any questions, queries or feedback, please contact Libraries and Collections.
Education Services