Study Areas to be Reduced

Student representatives are critical of the transformation of traditional study areas to new \'Learning Centres\' at the Sophus Bugge building, which houses the Faculty of Historical and Philosophical Studies. 304 of 624 places are to disappear from the study areas, in order to be replaced by rooms for group discussions, computer terminals, easy chairs and photocopying facilities.

The director of the University Library, Jan Erik Røed, who is in charge of the project, explains that the changes are an attempt at adapting the existing architecture to students\' changing study techniques. However, only between one fourth and one third of all study areas are to be rebuilt, in order to ensure that students retain access to sufficient study areas. Thomas Skilnand, who represents the Students\' Committee at the Faculty of Historical and Philosophical Studies, thinks that too many seats in the existing study areas are being eliminated.