Proposed changes to the Language Centre library have been withdrawn, pending a strategic review.
From February to May 2019, the Language Centre consulted on proposals to retain library resources needed for teaching at the Language Centre, and to consolidate remaining library materials into the Bodleian libraries.
The proposals were put forward in response to low and declining usage of the library, the increasing availability of online learning materials, the need to increase efficiency across the University’s administration services, and to allow the Language Centre to invest in priority areas.
There was a significant strength of feeling raised in the course of the consultation process. On Thursday 13 June, Council accepted a Congregation resolution in the University Gazette (issue 5242) that called for the proposal for changes to be suspended, and for a review of the Language Centre to take place.
A Language Centre Committee will now be re-established in Michaelmas term 2019, reporting to Education Committee. A review of the Language Centre and its contribution to language learning will also be undertaken under the oversight of Education Committee.
The Language Centre library will continue to operate, and the proposed changes have been withdrawn while the review takes place.
Further information will be provided in due course. If you have any questions, please contact comms@lang.ox.ac.uk