§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what procedures students have to undertake after 1 October to gain access to the collections in the National library for Scotland; [38889]
(2) what categories of students are to have restricted access to the National library of Scotland after 1 October; and if he will make a statement; [38883]
(3) what procedures students before 1 October had to undertake to gain access to the collections in the National library for Scotland; [38888]
(4) what categories of students were allowed access to the National library for Scotland before 1 October. [38884]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe arrangements for allowing access to the collections of the National library of Scotland are the responsibility of the board of trustees. However, my right hon. Friend is aware that the arrangements for access by students have been modified with effect from 1 October 1995 to take account of the increasing pressures on the accommodation for readers and on the condition of the collections. The reading services provided by the NLS are intended for those engaged in research or reference work using the collections. School pupils, college students and undergraduates at ordinary degree level are not normally admitted, but honours students in their third or later year of studies may apply for admission. These restrictions have been in place for a number of years and remain unchanged.
Before 1 October 1995, eligible honours students could apply for a one-year admission ticket to consult material relevant to a course of studies which was not available elsewhere. Applications had to be countersigned by a professor or lecturer in the appropriate university department. Since 1 October, eligible honours students have been able to apply for short-term admission tickets for access to specific items for a particular research project which are not available elsewhere. Applications have to be countersigned by a nominated senior librarian in the appropriate university library.
These revised arrangements were discussed with and endorsed by the Scottish Confederation of University and
111WResearch Libraries which represents all the Scottish university libraries.