2.11.12

A Leeds Student survey has found students are demanding national newspapers in the University’s libraries.

Currently, both the Edward Boyle and Brotherton libraries maintain subscriptions to national newspapers from Spain, France, Germany and other European countries, but have no British national newspapers.

The Brotherton also contains an extensive microfilm archive of British national back issues, stretching back to the 19th century, leading to the bizarre situation in which a student can more easily obtain a copy of The Sunday Times from 100 years ago than from last weekend.

In a survey of over 300 students, 77 per cent stated that they would like to see national newspapers made available in the libraries.  Those who did not wish to have free nationals in the libraries said that they had no interest in reading newspapers and felt it would be a distraction from their studies.

9 per cent of those surveyed said they were indifferent to free newspapers being available while other students pointed out that the Financial Times is already available in the Business School.

Politics students were especially keen for national newspapers to be available. Laurie Aspinal, a Religious Studies student was in favour of newspapers being available, and commented: “University life is such a bubble that I think students should be encouraged to read national newspapers. Also, newspapers are needed for many people’s courses.”

Newspapers were originally removed from the library due to budget cuts, yet the results of such a survey show the overwhelming demand for them to be brought back.

Words: Charlie Dunffield

Photo: Leo Garbutt