Oxford libraries to be shaken up

No decision yet taken on the Radcliffe Camera

Oxford University's world-famous libraries could be reorganised in what unions say is a cost-cutting exercise.

Many small specialist libraries could close in an attempt to modernise the library service under proposed changes.

The university said the changes would integrate the libraries, making them more accessible to staff, students and overseas scholars.

It dismissed claims that one key building - the Radcliffe Camera - would be turned into a vistors' centre.

Under the proposed changes, university libraries would be cut from 40 to 15 over the next decade.

The proposals centre on the 40 libraries run by the central university and not those run by individual departments or colleges.

Some of the small specialist libraries would close and books would be moved to other locations, including a new repository at Osney Mead on the outskirts of the city, where books would be retrieved by robotic procedures after being ordered online.

Modern technologies

A spokeswoman for the university said the proposal was to consolidate the libraries, which were currently scattered across Oxford.

"The University of Oxford is committed to the increased integration of our library services so that we can provide an enhanced and more cost-effective service to readers, supported by the best of modern technologies," she said.

The changes would give students quicker access to the libraries' vast resources, she said.

The public sector workers' union Unison says the changes are about cost-cutting.

Local Unison representative Alan Jenkins said: "The driving force is the need to save £500,000 a year in wage bills.

"Obviously we are worried about job losses. A lot of people are concerned about the impact on readers and overall library services."

The Daily Telegraph reports that dons fear the university's distinctive Radcliffe Camera - a domed circular library opened in 1749 - could be turned into a visitors' centre.

But that was dismissed by Oxford University officials, who said: "No decision has yet been made concerning the future use of the Radcliffe Camera.

"There are no plans under consideration to turn it into a visitors' centre."

The university said there were no plans for compulsory redundancies and that staff would learn more about the proposals at meetings next week.