However, there is clear evidence of pressure on space for readers and spending on materials has fallen at a faster rate than is sustainable given the expansion of student numbers and of research activity. Given the heterogeneity of institutions and libraries in higher education, the Review Group cannot sensibly prescribe norms relating to levels of spending on individual libraries. Spending will vary according to local circumstances, but the Group does recommend that all institutions should review their level of spending on libraries, assess whether adequate resources are being made available to meet identified needs, and reassess the methods for determining such decisions. Spending on staff accounts for over half the total spend in libraries in most institutions. The Review Group noted however a significant degree of variation in spending on staff, and each institution should review its deployment of resources between staff and other areas of library spending, to ensure that value for money is each area of expenditure Library Provision in Support of Teaching 17.
Libraries play a central role in support of teaching and learning across all subject areas.
Recent developments in the organisation of teaching and learning have often increased the range of demands placed on libraries, as have changes in the profile of the undergraduate population, with growing proportions of mature and part-time students. In these circumstances institutions must ensure that the needs of library users are clearly assessed and that effective mechanisms are in place for meeting them. In particular, liaison between the library and teaching staff must be improved, and their respective responsibilities clearly identified. The serious pressure on space in libraries is illustrated by the fact that while student numbers have grown by about 70 per cent in the last seven years, across institutions as a whole space for readers has increased by only a few per cent. Institutions must seek to make the best use of available space, and should consider, for example, how far longer opening hours and the development of high density storage arrangements could help to reduce pressure.