A series of documents that the Students’ Union handed over to various college authorities earlier have been released.
The following letter was addressed to the Provost, Dr. John Hegerty:
Dear Provost,
The Students’ Union is occupying the library in protest at the cuts made to library services. We wish to stress that this demonstration is a result of the frustration felt by students towards the inaction of the College authorities.
The College has refused to accept the importance of adequate open hours and access to materials. This has been pointed out to the College on numerous occasions by the Students’ Union, however we have seen no demonstrable change to the problems.
The Students’ Union feels that this situation is unsustainable and has directly caused this action today and unless our demands are met we will occupy the library for twenty-four hours. Furthermore, we are prepared to intensify our campaign at local and national level until there is a satisfactory resolution for the students in a timely manner.
Our specific demands are:
The library to be open on Sundays; Sunday opening hours become a core service offered by the library and regularise it as a standard year-long service.
Any cut made to the book budget be reversed and the Students’ Union be explicitly consulted before any changes to the book budget in future.
The library bring its opening hours and service hours in line with the national average to be agreed between the Students’ Union and the library.
No further cuts in opening hours or service hours without consultation with the Students’ Union.
The College and the library work together to ensure that the library has adequate resources including necessary funding to carry out these demands.
We will be in the library when you are ready to discuss this.
Trinity College Students’ Union
The following letter was handed to various members of the library staff as the sit in began:
Dear Library Staff,
To protest library cut backs in library services Trinity College Students’ Union has organized a sit in for twenty-four hours beginning at close of services today.
The Students’ Union wants to make it clear that it has no issue with the library staff and the great work that they do.
We would kindly ask that you quickly gather your belongings and make your way towards the exit.
We appreciate your cooperation.
Trinity Students’ Union
The following letter was addressed to the Junior Dean, Dr. Emma Stokes:
Dear Junior Dean,
The Students’ Union is occupying the library in protest at the cuts made to library services. We wish to stress that this demonstration is a result of the frustration felt by students towards the inaction of the College authorities.
The students who are engaged in the sit in are exercising their right to a democratic and peaceful protest. The Students’ Union will support each and every student who is exercising their rights in a peaceful manner.
We trust that you will respect their rights.
Thank you,
Trinity College Students’ Union
