The University of Sydney has modified the public opening hours of Fisher Library this week. As of Monday, the Library is now open to non-students and staff between 9am to 5pm, shortened from the normal 8pm closing time implemented throughout the semester.
While these changes were not formally announced to students, a spokesperson from the University’s Media Office told Honi Soit that the revised schedule corresponds to “our standard opening hours out of semester.” It explained that “we brought forward the change to out-of-semester opening hours because we have seen an increase in demand for the Library as we approach STUVAC and the exam period.”
When Honi inquired if these modifications were an attempt to limit students participating at the Gaza solidarity encampment from using vital amenities that have otherwise been limited around the University, the Media Office stated that “these changes are not related to the encampment.”
This decision came hours before Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott blockaded himself inside the Wilkinson Building after student protestors confronted him on City Road. In a video posted by Students For Palestine on May 21, campers can be heard asking Scott, “have you got nothing to say about the University’s ties to genocide in Gaza? You have blood on your hands Mark. You should be ashamed.”
Referencing University Management’s refusal to meet with pro-Palestinian activists in a public forum according to the encampment’s demands, they also asked him “you don’t want to speak in a place where your position can be scrutinised publicly?”. Students then proceeded to lead chants outside the room Scott refused to exit the Architecture precinct.
Fisher Library remains open 24 hours a day across 7 days a week for enrolled students and staff with swipe card access. At the time of writing, there have not been any modifications to the opening hours of any other library or study spaces across the University’s campus.
