Shhh! Hive is too noisy for work, say students (From Worcester News)

Noise cancelling headphones anyone! and here was I think students had a few more brain cells waiting to be burned!

Guy66 wrote:
Noise cancelling headphones anyone! and here was I think students had a few more brain cells waiting to be burned!

I am not a student, but also find it very noisy. I do not want to sit and do my research with headphones on - they are uncomfortable and should not be necessary. I love the Hive, but having used the University's old library, which is a similar design, I knew that noise would be a problem. Great to have a children's area, but please PUT SOME SOUNDPROOF DOORS ON IT!

Rachael Smith has got it wrong, it is the taxpayers of Worcestershire that pay.

I wouldnt say too noisy, go there often to study things and it is fine if you respect the fact that tax pays for the hive, children have the right to be there, in the same way at 3am many students have the same idea of making noise walking home drunk, its a give and take world.

The one thing that does rattle my cage is the basement of the hive. It is constant swearing, I have seen one fight, an underage couple where he had his hands in the underwear of his girlfriend of about 14 years old and another couple trying to hide themselves having intercourse on seating against very back wall while their friend is chatting to them from computer.

The basement is out of control, it is usually manned by one person, who normally looks too afraid to say anything or if you are lucky a polite "please watch your language" when he sees me looking unimpressed.

I do not use the hive any more since witnessing it getting worse for such activities, very disappointing since the media section is down there which is very helpful to get young children interested in books if they know they can get a film at same time.

And if anyone has any doubt about the swearing, fighting and underage sexual activity please feel free to browse down there out of school hours, particularly half term times, it wont take many visits to come across it.

Studying students should study at night instead of being out and making noise and causing trouble to the locals who have to work in the day, i own 2 houses by the Uni and my tenants have no end of trouble so i have no simpathy with the students, not all are like that but as usual the minority mess it up for everyone else.

mayall8808 wrote:
Studying students should study at night instead of being out and making noise and causing trouble to the locals who have to work in the day, i own 2 houses by the Uni and my tenants have no end of trouble so i have no simpathy with the students, not all are like that but as usual the minority mess it up for everyone else.

Students should study when they like. Maybe your tenants should take on a night shift instead so they haven't got to listen to them.
I sympathise with the students, in that it is hard to study with so many distractions. Would it be too hard for the Hive to turn the basement into a student only zone? This would remove the teenage problems and would allow all other library users more space on other floors ...

As a third year student, I'm one of the ones affected by the problems at the Hive. I pay a lot of money for my course, and until last year I had a students-only library right where it needs to be, on the campus. Now the books and computers that I'm paying for have are shared with the public, and moved to somewhere that's a 25 mins walk away to a building with no parking, no quiet study areas, no student only areas and no student only computers. The Hive might be a great public library, but it's simply not fit for purpose as a University Library.

There's a reason that this is Europe's only joint public/university library... it's because it's a bad idea that isn't going to work!

Academic standards are inevitably going to drop at Worcester University unless this failed experiment is quickly abandoned, and students provided with the dedicated library space that they are already paying for!

CJH wrote:

Guy66 wrote:
Noise cancelling headphones anyone! and here was I think students had a few more brain cells waiting to be burned!

I am not a student, but also find it very noisy. I do not want to sit and do my research with headphones on - they are uncomfortable and should not be necessary. I love the Hive, but having used the University's old library, which is a similar design, I knew that noise would be a problem. Great to have a children's area, but please PUT SOME SOUNDPROOF DOORS ON IT!

Buy some comfortable ones!

Ear plugs....

Time your visits to reduce the exposure to noise...

Many many many things you could spend your time doing rather than ranting one here about it!

Andy_R wrote:
As a third year student, I'm one of the ones affected by the problems at the Hive. I pay a lot of money for my course, and until last year I had a students-only library right where it needs to be, on the campus. Now the books and computers that I'm paying for have are shared with the public, and moved to somewhere that's a 25 mins walk away to a building with no parking, no quiet study areas, no student only areas and no student only computers. The Hive might be a great public library, but it's simply not fit for purpose as a University Library.

There's a reason that this is Europe's only joint public/university library... it's because it's a bad idea that isn't going to work!

Academic standards are inevitably going to drop at Worcester University unless this failed experiment is quickly abandoned, and students provided with the dedicated library space that they are already paying for!

I pay over £25K a year in taxes so by your standard I should have preference over the students...

A link to some relatively inexpensive and comfortable headphones...

http://www.amazon.co
.uk/Bose%C2%AE-Quiet
Comfort%C2%AE-Acoust
ic-Cancelling-Headph
ones/dp/B0054JJ0QW/r
ef=sr_1_1?m=A3P5ROKL
5A1OLE&s=electronics
&ie=UTF8&qid=1353173
425&sr=1-1

A library loans books so why can't the students borrow a book for a while, read it in the comfort of their own home then return it............???

truth must out wrote:
A library loans books so why can't the students borrow a book for a while, read it in the comfort of their own home then return it............???

Blimey, how long is it since you've been a student? If you're working on several assignments at any one time it's just not practical - you might need twenty different books. Also reference books can't be taken out of the library. I have a list of dozens of books which I need to use for research and none of them can be borrowed, so I have to sit in the Hive and read them. And I'm sure security would soon stop me taking original documents and records home from the history dept, much as I would love to. They weigh every pack or box of documents when they issue them, and then again when you hand them back to make sure not even one piece of paper goes missing!

Really?

I thought most students use google and the copy, paste function to write assignments...

Vox populi wrote:
Really? I thought most students use google and the copy, paste function to write assignments...

Oh that's so funny - no-one ever said that before. 'Rolls eyes' and wonders where the classes in stereotyping are held...

Based upon the contrasting experience of the Hive and Bodleian, the Hive is ideally suited for shared town & non-Russell group institution use..

What a suprise. Worcestershire County Councils has poured money it cannot spare, at the expense of other services, into a poorly conceived project that obviously will not work. Perhaps if it had conducted some proper research and not employed such wishy washy managers they would soon have appreciated serious research is not feasible in an environment where noise is encouraged. Student or public, it is not fair that when you use the library or archives you are constantly disturbed. All because of an extremely naive interpretation of inclusiveness that stopped spaces being enclosed. The tragedy is that this was an opportunity to produce a facility that Worcetser could really be proud of and instead it is just embarrassing and certainly not exciting. The council believed its own propaganda and assumed that because it was different it must be better.

CJH wrote:

Guy66 wrote:
Noise cancelling headphones anyone! and here was I think students had a few more brain cells waiting to be burned!

I am not a student, but also find it very noisy. I do not want to sit and do my research with headphones on - they are uncomfortable and should not be necessary. I love the Hive, but having used the University's old library, which is a similar design, I knew that noise would be a problem. Great to have a children's area, but please PUT SOME SOUNDPROOF DOORS ON IT!

I agree, some sound proofing barriers should have been included in the planning from the start.

CJH wrote:

Vox populi wrote:
Really? I thought most students use google and the copy, paste function to write assignments...

Oh that's so funny - no-one ever said that before. 'Rolls eyes' and wonders where the classes in stereotyping are held...

well it worked for me :-)

Countyconcilemployee wrote:
What a suprise. Worcestershire County Councils has poured money it cannot spare, at the expense of other services, into a poorly conceived project that obviously will not work. Perhaps if it had conducted some proper research and not employed such wishy washy managers they would soon have appreciated serious research is not feasible in an environment where noise is encouraged. Student or public, it is not fair that when you use the library or archives you are constantly disturbed. All because of an extremely naive interpretation of inclusiveness that stopped spaces being enclosed. The tragedy is that this was an opportunity to produce a facility that Worcetser could really be proud of and instead it is just embarrassing and certainly not exciting. The council believed its own propaganda and assumed that because it was different it must be better.

Are you allowed to say that on here about Worcestershire County Council? That's assuming that you really are a countycouncilemploye
e.

Vertis wrote:
I wouldnt say too noisy, go there often to study things and it is fine if you respect the fact that tax pays for the hive, children have the right to be there, in the same way at 3am many students have the same idea of making noise walking home drunk, its a give and take world.

The one thing that does rattle my cage is the basement of the hive. It is constant swearing, I have seen one fight, an underage couple where he had his hands in the underwear of his girlfriend of about 14 years old and another couple trying to hide themselves having intercourse on seating against very back wall while their friend is chatting to them from computer.

The basement is out of control, it is usually manned by one person, who normally looks too afraid to say anything or if you are lucky a polite "please watch your language" when he sees me looking unimpressed.

I do not use the hive any more since witnessing it getting worse for such activities, very disappointing since the media section is down there which is very helpful to get young children interested in books if they know they can get a film at same time.

And if anyone has any doubt about the swearing, fighting and underage sexual activity please feel free to browse down there out of school hours, particularly half term times, it wont take many visits to come across it.

It is to noisy and I am one of those whose tax pays for the "Hive". It is not just the students who are dissatisfied withis poorly thought and managed facility. Regardless of whether children have the 'right' to be there, others have the 'right' to enjoy peace in a quality institution.

pinkfluff wrote:

Countyconcilemployee wrote:
What a suprise. Worcestershire County Councils has poured money it cannot spare, at the expense of other services, into a poorly conceived project that obviously will not work. Perhaps if it had conducted some proper research and not employed such wishy washy managers they would soon have appreciated serious research is not feasible in an environment where noise is encouraged. Student or public, it is not fair that when you use the library or archives you are constantly disturbed. All because of an extremely naive interpretation of inclusiveness that stopped spaces being enclosed. The tragedy is that this was an opportunity to produce a facility that Worcetser could really be proud of and instead it is just embarrassing and certainly not exciting. The council believed its own propaganda and assumed that because it was different it must be better.

Are you allowed to say that on here about Worcestershire County Council? That's assuming that you really are a countycouncilemploye

e.

I am a council employee, that is how I know a great deal more about the 'Hive' the council has revealed to the public.

Jannus wrote:
Based upon the contrasting experience of the Hive and Bodleian, the Hive is ideally suited for shared town & non-Russell group institution use..

Based upon the contrasting experience of the 'Hive' and Russell and non-Russell institutions, the 'Hive' is not suitable for a library or archive, but it is good for running about and shouting.

Jannus wrote:
Based upon the contrasting experience of the Hive and Bodleian, the Hive is ideally suited for shared town & non-Russell group institution use..

Snob

Maggie Would wrote:

Jannus wrote: Based upon the contrasting experience of the Hive and Bodleian, the Hive is ideally suited for shared town & non-Russell group institution use..

Snob

I had to Google it to see if it was something interesting. But it wasn't.

A couple of points
What about the 4th floor of the Hive for studying!! very quiet full of past dissertations and other reference material.
What on earth is the converted car sales place next to the new college arena for ?? the amount of times I drive past and see the place lit up like a christmas tree but no one using it is ridiculous, is that supposed to be a study zone / learning centre?
I used to sit listening to music whilst I was studying (at Worcester) for my degree, it took away some of the boredom !!

Am also rather annoyed about the comment re tuition fees, what is it with the students at Worcester, you have everything on a plate, this city appears to bend over backwards for students and its still not good enough.

Countyconcilemployee wrote:

pinkfluff wrote:

Countyconcilemployee wrote:
What a suprise. Worcestershire County Councils has poured money it cannot spare, at the expense of other services, into a poorly conceived project that obviously will not work. Perhaps if it had conducted some proper research and not employed such wishy washy managers they would soon have appreciated serious research is not feasible in an environment where noise is encouraged. Student or public, it is not fair that when you use the library or archives you are constantly disturbed. All because of an extremely naive interpretation of inclusiveness that stopped spaces being enclosed. The tragedy is that this was an opportunity to produce a facility that Worcetser could really be proud of and instead it is just embarrassing and certainly not exciting. The council believed its own propaganda and assumed that because it was different it must be better.

Are you allowed to say that on here about Worcestershire County Council? That's assuming that you really are a countycouncilemploye


e.

I am a council employee, that is how I know a great deal more about the 'Hive' the council has revealed to the public.

Countyconcilemployee
, since you "know a great deal more about the 'Hive' the council has revealed to the public.", perhaps you could drop us a few hints about good subjects for a FOI request?

Maybe countyconcilemployee could spell council correct in his/her user name and people would take them seriously... They have dictionaries at the Hive if you need them...

mr_wilson15 says...
9:56am Sat 17 Nov 12

mayall8808 wrote:
Studying students should study at night instead of being out and making noise and causing trouble to the locals who have to work in the day, i own 2 houses by the Uni and my tenants have no end of trouble so i have no simpathy with the students, not all are like that but as usual the minority mess it up for everyone else.

Students should study when they like. Maybe your tenants should take on a night shift instead so they haven't got to listen to them.
I sympathise with the students, in that it is hard to study with so many distractions. Would it be too hard for the Hive to turn the basement into a student only zone? This would remove the teenage problems and would allow all other library users more space on other floors ...

What a stupid remark in the first para, my tenants have been living there a lot longer than your student friends, you have no idea how bad some of them are, next you will want the locals to move out?, it takes common sense and a bit of respect on all sides but i don't see any help from the Uni, they want money and could'nt care less about anyone.

I'm glad it's too loud for them. Their all night parties in back gardens are too loud for me. This is hilarious.

ReekJP wrote:
I'm glad it's too loud for them. Their all night parties in back gardens are too loud for me. This is hilarious.

I'm not a student, but rely on The Hive for research for my business. Is that hilarious as well?

CJH wrote:

ReekJP wrote:
I'm glad it's too loud for them. Their all night parties in back gardens are too loud for me. This is hilarious.

I'm not a student, but rely on The Hive for research for my business. Is that hilarious as well?

Not quite as hilarious. But still somewhat amusing. Enlighten me as to how you rely on The Hive? I'm genuinely intrigued.

And my initial amusement was from students having noise complaints, not ordinary members of the public, before I'm stoned to death.

I agree, it does amuse me that students are complaining about the noise. Try studying/sleeping in my flat throughout September after 11PM, you get the same feeling.

Countyconcilemployee wrote:

pinkfluff wrote:

Countyconcilemployee wrote:
What a suprise. Worcestershire County Councils has poured money it cannot spare, at the expense of other services, into a poorly conceived project that obviously will not work. Perhaps if it had conducted some proper research and not employed such wishy washy managers they would soon have appreciated serious research is not feasible in an environment where noise is encouraged. Student or public, it is not fair that when you use the library or archives you are constantly disturbed. All because of an extremely naive interpretation of inclusiveness that stopped spaces being enclosed. The tragedy is that this was an opportunity to produce a facility that Worcetser could really be proud of and instead it is just embarrassing and certainly not exciting. The council believed its own propaganda and assumed that because it was different it must be better.

Are you allowed to say that on here about Worcestershire County Council? That's assuming that you really are a countycouncilemploye


e.

I am a council employee, that is how I know a great deal more about the 'Hive' the council has revealed to the public.

Well that comment kinda proves you don't work for the LA.

ReekJP wrote:

CJH wrote:

ReekJP wrote: I'm glad it's too loud for them. Their all night parties in back gardens are too loud for me. This is hilarious.

I'm not a student, but rely on The Hive for research for my business. Is that hilarious as well?

Not quite as hilarious. But still somewhat amusing. Enlighten me as to how you rely on The Hive? I'm genuinely intrigued.

A girl has to have some secrets Reek! Suffice to say, amongst other things involving historical research, I'm currently writing a book. Being published early next year hopefully. Won't give away the subject, but it has local interest from a different and previously untouched point of view. I'm very excited.

CJH wrote:

ReekJP wrote:

CJH wrote:

ReekJP wrote: I'm glad it's too loud for them. Their all night parties in back gardens are too loud for me. This is hilarious.

I'm not a student, but rely on The Hive for research for my business. Is that hilarious as well?

Not quite as hilarious. But still somewhat amusing. Enlighten me as to how you rely on The Hive? I'm genuinely intrigued.

A girl has to have some secrets Reek! Suffice to say, amongst other things involving historical research, I'm currently writing a book. Being published early next year hopefully. Won't give away the subject, but it has local interest from a different and previously untouched point of view. I'm very excited.

Well I await this book with bated breath. Such a teasing reply, I wish you all the best!

pinkfluff wrote:

Countyconcilemployee wrote:

pinkfluff wrote:

Countyconcilemployee wrote:
What a suprise. Worcestershire County Councils has poured money it cannot spare, at the expense of other services, into a poorly conceived project that obviously will not work. Perhaps if it had conducted some proper research and not employed such wishy washy managers they would soon have appreciated serious research is not feasible in an environment where noise is encouraged. Student or public, it is not fair that when you use the library or archives you are constantly disturbed. All because of an extremely naive interpretation of inclusiveness that stopped spaces being enclosed. The tragedy is that this was an opportunity to produce a facility that Worcetser could really be proud of and instead it is just embarrassing and certainly not exciting. The council believed its own propaganda and assumed that because it was different it must be better.

Are you allowed to say that on here about Worcestershire County Council? That's assuming that you really are a countycouncilemploye



e.

I am a council employee, that is how I know a great deal more about the 'Hive' the council has revealed to the public.

Well that comment kinda proves you don't work for the LA.

Well my comment kinda doesn't prove whether I do or don't work for the council, but I am sure it will be entertaining to hear why you think it doesn't if I may make so BOLD as to ask?

malvernme wrote:
Maybe countyconcilemployee could spell council correct in his/her user name and people would take them seriously... They have dictionaries at the Hive if you need them...

I am glad I gave you the small thrill you gained from pointing out the error, but if I remember correctly I had to alter the spelling as this website restricts the length of name.... I would benefit from a guide to better typing, but there wouldn't be any point in going to the 'Hive' as the collection is poor, the misguided operations means it is very difficult to find staff and the failed training means they do not know the answers to queries regarding the library...

When I saw the council boasting about the fact that the Hive was the only combined city/uni library, I thought it was just the usual meaningless council nonsense.

On a par with the guff about it somehow 'reflecting the Malvern Hills'.

Though I am open-minded about the look of the place, now I've visited it a few times, I can't help thinking someone's made a massive mistake.

It is noisy. Even for a standard library it is distractingly noisy. But for uni library, it is pretty much intolerable.

Even in my day - way before fees - I wouldn't have been happy.

But if I was paying fees and piling up debts, I think I'd be livid.

Another thought - has anyone else noticed how flimsy the building feels?

As someone who studied at Worcester in the 1960s I am disappointed that such very basic mistakes have been made in the design of The Hive. We didn't have such fantastic facilities but neither did we pay fees and run up huge debts!
The University brings £000s into Worcester every year but some people just do not want to recognise that!

I studied part-time at the Uni for a few years recently and was disgusted by the noise levels and blatant essay-sharing throughout the Pearson Library on campus. Students ate, drank and chatted at all volumes (often along the lines of - "Oh, I did that essay last year - you want a copy?") in all areas - except the Quiet Study Area - mainly occupied by older students.

So I find it interesting that current students are complaining about noise at the Hive - at the same time, it is ridiculous that a quiet floor was not included in the design. Must have been an 'extra' that someone considered unnecessary.

And, having originally studied at Worcester in the mid-80s, I must endorse the previous remark that current students in this city have everything on a plate. I remember what it was like to be a student when there were only 1000 on campus - we got around on foot in all weather and there wasn't nearly as much choice - for anything. But ...I actually don't remember any of us complaining!

PS- And don't get me started on noisy students in rented accommodation in St John's!

There is a quiet study area in the Hive, it has been there from the outset, it is enclosed, it is clearly signposted - It's on level 4.
As a recent ex student, The Hive is, 90% of the time, no louder than Pierson (the old University library) was. There are some additional challanges for staff to deal with. Young people, 14 to 19 are using The Hive in place of a Youth Centre, maybe if the council hadn't closed the City Youth Centre this wouldn't be so.
But the simple fact remains that if you want silence you can go to the silent study area, and if you want to be more social you can go to the basement. And if you flag all your issues to the staff then something will happen instead of harping on about it, online weeks later - Grow a set !!!

Combining the University and Public Libraries was always going to be a challenge, and compromises made. The managers will have to adapt to the issues as they occur. Very much because of its open-plan design and use of sound reflective surfaces (the wooden stairs etc.) noise levels were and are an issue. Use of sounddeadening partitions at strategic points - especially round the computer bays, better security to stop unruly behaviour etc. It's a great facility of which Worcester should be proud, we just need to iron out the teething problems. (Mind you the current closure of the cafe will at least take away the yummie mummies and their noisy broods and their push chairs the size of a small car blocking the way!)

Who pays for the hive students or tax payers??

kittykat0211 wrote:
Who pays for the hive students or tax payers??

From the £60million, roughly £10 million from the county council, £10million from the University and the remaining £40 million is Private Finance, i.e a morgage !

ah ha The Hive - it's all going well then!!

Let's face it The Hive is a mistake. I actually went down the other day with the intention of borrowing some books on local history and hobbies. Firstly, I was unable to sensibly find my way around the shelves as there seemed to be little or no logical system as to how it was all laid out. Secondly, several of the books I wanted had been "transferred" from borrowing to reference only. Thirdly, the atmosphere for casual browsing, unlike the old library in Foregate Street, is not comfortable
. Fourthly, Iwent to return a book to the shelf as I decided I did not really want it but couldn't remember where I got it from and finally I was quite alarmed to note that there was only one person browsing around the fiction section.
About 50% of the computers were in use the majority of which were being used for facebook, game playing and browsing of amazon or argos web sites.
Somehow to me the building does not have the atmosphere of a library. Evesham and Bromsgrove have relative new libraries and they are perfectly OK.
Also today it is reported that the company who took on the catering contract has gone into administration.
Why oh why didn't WCC proceed with the conversion of the old Co-op store into a new library, as was the original plan, instead of allowing themselves to be coerced into a so-called partnership with the university?

IsmellBull wrote:

kittykat0211 wrote:
Who pays for the hive students or tax payers??

From the £60million, roughly £10 million from the county council, £10million from the University and the remaining £40 million is Private Finance, i.e a morgage !

Thanks to Hardman and Co.'s failure to grasp basic mathematics, the £43 million PFI is going to cost us Council Taxpayers at least £135 million over the 25 years.

£135 million for a building that is already looking shabby and falling apart.

never mind everybody - looks like we are going to get a spanking new orchard over the other side of the railway (I think they call it the 'city campus'!!). No doubt we will get the spin about it being the first University orchard in the world! ooogh - illegal student cider, cant wait!!

Sorry to disappoint, I think the 'urban orchard' has been scrapped due to lack of funds.

Omicron wrote:
Let's face it The Hive is a mistake. I actually went down the other day with the intention of borrowing some books on local history and hobbies. Firstly, I was unable to sensibly find my way around the shelves as there seemed to be little or no logical system as to how it was all laid out. Secondly, several of the books I wanted had been "transferred" from borrowing to reference only. Thirdly, the atmosphere for casual browsing, unlike the old library in Foregate Street, is not comfortable
. Fourthly, Iwent to return a book to the shelf as I decided I did not really want it but couldn't remember where I got it from and finally I was quite alarmed to note that there was only one person browsing around the fiction section.
About 50% of the computers were in use the majority of which were being used for facebook, game playing and browsing of amazon or argos web sites.
Somehow to me the building does not have the atmosphere of a library. Evesham and Bromsgrove have relative new libraries and they are perfectly OK.
Also today it is reported that the company who took on the catering contract has gone into administration.
Why oh why didn't WCC proceed with the conversion of the old Co-op store into a new library, as was the original plan, instead of allowing themselves to be coerced into a so-called partnership with the university?

So to recap - You can't find your way around the Dewey Decimal System, answers on a postcard about which system you seem to want to replace it with. Secondly, I am personally not aware that books other than University core texts have been moved to any restricted borrowing but I would be interested in an example please. Atmosphere of casual browsing, I suggest you familiarise yourself with the Dewey Decimal Sytem as previously stated, and if you put the book back through the returns machine or give it too staff they would do it for you - not sure what we are supposed to do anout your lack of memory. I can currently see as many people in the fiction section from where I am currently sat as are elsewhere, would you like me to go an coral some more people and make them take out fiction books - the library is busy for different groups at different times. And finally, If people were writing letters, leafing through catalogues or doing a crossword would that bother you ?? no ! then what difference does it make if they are using facebook, playing games and buying online

Welcome to 2012, please feel free to enjoy it !

sugarlump wrote:
never mind everybody - looks like we are going to get a spanking new orchard over the other side of the railway (I think they call it the 'city campus'!!). No doubt we will get the spin about it being the first University orchard in the world! ooogh - illegal student cider, cant wait!!

Maybe you can loan the University the money to finish their plans for the City Campus, or tell me how you think it should be financed.

Ssshh There's a recession on your know !

It amused me that Omicron was 'quite alarmed' to only find one person looking for fiction. Surprised maybe, but alarmed? No, that's if you find a gorilla in the fiction section, or someone taking out a Jeffrey Archer book. Or the gorilla was reading a Jeffrey Archer book. That would alarm me.

Guy66 wrote:

Andy_R wrote:
As a third year student, I'm one of the ones affected by the problems at the Hive. I pay a lot of money for my course, and until last year I had a students-only library right where it needs to be, on the campus. Now the books and computers that I'm paying for have are shared with the public, and moved to somewhere that's a 25 mins walk away to a building with no parking, no quiet study areas, no student only areas and no student only computers. The Hive might be a great public library, but it's simply not fit for purpose as a University Library.

There's a reason that this is Europe's only joint public/university library... it's because it's a bad idea that isn't going to work!

Academic standards are inevitably going to drop at Worcester University unless this failed experiment is quickly abandoned, and students provided with the dedicated library space that they are already paying for!

I pay over £25K a year in taxes so by your standard I should have preference over the students...

You don't play well with others do you - maybe we should lock all students in an ivory tower and let them worry about how to intergrate in to the real world when, and if they graduate and get a job worthy of their degree.

' Now the books and computers that I am paying for ..' I think you will find that your subsidised education is being paid for by the tax payer, the money you recieve in loans is from the tax payer and the other people that you meet everyday, even including your fellow students are taxpayers. Of course if you want to pay more, I am sure we could build two libraries, nope...didn't think so.

IsmellBull wrote:

Omicron wrote:
Let's face it The Hive is a mistake. I actually went down the other day with the intention of borrowing some books on local history and hobbies. Firstly, I was unable to sensibly find my way around the shelves as there seemed to be little or no logical system as to how it was all laid out. Secondly, several of the books I wanted had been "transferred" from borrowing to reference only. Thirdly, the atmosphere for casual browsing, unlike the old library in Foregate Street, is not comfortable
. Fourthly, Iwent to return a book to the shelf as I decided I did not really want it but couldn't remember where I got it from and finally I was quite alarmed to note that there was only one person browsing around the fiction section.
About 50% of the computers were in use the majority of which were being used for facebook, game playing and browsing of amazon or argos web sites.
Somehow to me the building does not have the atmosphere of a library. Evesham and Bromsgrove have relative new libraries and they are perfectly OK.
Also today it is reported that the company who took on the catering contract has gone into administration.
Why oh why didn't WCC proceed with the conversion of the old Co-op store into a new library, as was the original plan, instead of allowing themselves to be coerced into a so-called partnership with the university?

So to recap - You can't find your way around the Dewey Decimal System, answers on a postcard about which system you seem to want to replace it with. Secondly, I am personally not aware that books other than University core texts have been moved to any restricted borrowing but I would be interested in an example please. Atmosphere of casual browsing, I suggest you familiarise yourself with the Dewey Decimal Sytem as previously stated, and if you put the book back through the returns machine or give it too staff they would do it for you - not sure what we are supposed to do anout your lack of memory. I can currently see as many people in the fiction section from where I am currently sat as are elsewhere, would you like me to go an coral some more people and make them take out fiction books - the library is busy for different groups at different times. And finally, If people were writing letters, leafing through catalogues or doing a crossword would that bother you ?? no ! then what difference does it make if they are using facebook, playing games and buying online

Welcome to 2012, please feel free to enjoy it !

Why should the taxpayer pay for anyone to use facebook, play games and buy online?

Welcome to 2012 indeed, the year of the freeloader.

worcwisdom wrote:
Sorry to disappoint, I think the 'urban orchard' has been scrapped due to lack of funds.

devastating news!!

worcwisdom wrote:
Sorry to disappoint, I think the 'urban orchard' has been scrapped due to lack of funds.

devastating news!!

brooksider wrote:

IsmellBull wrote:

Omicron wrote:
Let's face it The Hive is a mistake. I actually went down the other day with the intention of borrowing some books on local history and hobbies. Firstly, I was unable to sensibly find my way around the shelves as there seemed to be little or no logical system as to how it was all laid out. Secondly, several of the books I wanted had been "transferred" from borrowing to reference only. Thirdly, the atmosphere for casual browsing, unlike the old library in Foregate Street, is not comfortable
. Fourthly, Iwent to return a book to the shelf as I decided I did not really want it but couldn't remember where I got it from and finally I was quite alarmed to note that there was only one person browsing around the fiction section.
About 50% of the computers were in use the majority of which were being used for facebook, game playing and browsing of amazon or argos web sites.
Somehow to me the building does not have the atmosphere of a library. Evesham and Bromsgrove have relative new libraries and they are perfectly OK.
Also today it is reported that the company who took on the catering contract has gone into administration.
Why oh why didn't WCC proceed with the conversion of the old Co-op store into a new library, as was the original plan, instead of allowing themselves to be coerced into a so-called partnership with the university?

So to recap - You can't find your way around the Dewey Decimal System, answers on a postcard about which system you seem to want to replace it with. Secondly, I am personally not aware that books other than University core texts have been moved to any restricted borrowing but I would be interested in an example please. Atmosphere of casual browsing, I suggest you familiarise yourself with the Dewey Decimal Sytem as previously stated, and if you put the book back through the returns machine or give it too staff they would do it for you - not sure what we are supposed to do anout your lack of memory. I can currently see as many people in the fiction section from where I am currently sat as are elsewhere, would you like me to go an coral some more people and make them take out fiction books - the library is busy for different groups at different times. And finally, If people were writing letters, leafing through catalogues or doing a crossword would that bother you ?? no ! then what difference does it make if they are using facebook, playing games and buying online

Welcome to 2012, please feel free to enjoy it !

Why should the taxpayer pay for anyone to use facebook, play games and buy online?

Welcome to 2012 indeed, the year of the freeloader.

By the same logic, why should the taxpayer fund copies of the latest Stephen King or James Patterson books for its citizens, or any of the resources that exist in a public library ?

brooksider wrote:

IsmellBull wrote:

Omicron wrote:
Let's face it The Hive is a mistake. I actually went down the other day with the intention of borrowing some books on local history and hobbies. Firstly, I was unable to sensibly find my way around the shelves as there seemed to be little or no logical system as to how it was all laid out. Secondly, several of the books I wanted had been "transferred" from borrowing to reference only. Thirdly, the atmosphere for casual browsing, unlike the old library in Foregate Street, is not comfortable
. Fourthly, Iwent to return a book to the shelf as I decided I did not really want it but couldn't remember where I got it from and finally I was quite alarmed to note that there was only one person browsing around the fiction section.
About 50% of the computers were in use the majority of which were being used for facebook, game playing and browsing of amazon or argos web sites.
Somehow to me the building does not have the atmosphere of a library. Evesham and Bromsgrove have relative new libraries and they are perfectly OK.
Also today it is reported that the company who took on the catering contract has gone into administration.
Why oh why didn't WCC proceed with the conversion of the old Co-op store into a new library, as was the original plan, instead of allowing themselves to be coerced into a so-called partnership with the university?

So to recap - You can't find your way around the Dewey Decimal System, answers on a postcard about which system you seem to want to replace it with. Secondly, I am personally not aware that books other than University core texts have been moved to any restricted borrowing but I would be interested in an example please. Atmosphere of casual browsing, I suggest you familiarise yourself with the Dewey Decimal Sytem as previously stated, and if you put the book back through the returns machine or give it too staff they would do it for you - not sure what we are supposed to do anout your lack of memory. I can currently see as many people in the fiction section from where I am currently sat as are elsewhere, would you like me to go an coral some more people and make them take out fiction books - the library is busy for different groups at different times. And finally, If people were writing letters, leafing through catalogues or doing a crossword would that bother you ?? no ! then what difference does it make if they are using facebook, playing games and buying online

Welcome to 2012, please feel free to enjoy it !

Why should the taxpayer pay for anyone to use facebook, play games and buy online?

Welcome to 2012 indeed, the year of the freeloader.

By the same logic, why should the taxpayer fund copies of the latest Stephen King or James Patterson books for its citizens, or any of the resources that exist in a public library ?

IsmellBull wrote:

brooksider wrote:

IsmellBull wrote:

Omicron wrote:
Let's face it The Hive is a mistake. I actually went down the other day with the intention of borrowing some books on local history and hobbies. Firstly, I was unable to sensibly find my way around the shelves as there seemed to be little or no logical system as to how it was all laid out. Secondly, several of the books I wanted had been "transferred" from borrowing to reference only. Thirdly, the atmosphere for casual browsing, unlike the old library in Foregate Street, is not comfortable
. Fourthly, Iwent to return a book to the shelf as I decided I did not really want it but couldn't remember where I got it from and finally I was quite alarmed to note that there was only one person browsing around the fiction section.
About 50% of the computers were in use the majority of which were being used for facebook, game playing and browsing of amazon or argos web sites.
Somehow to me the building does not have the atmosphere of a library. Evesham and Bromsgrove have relative new libraries and they are perfectly OK.
Also today it is reported that the company who took on the catering contract has gone into administration.
Why oh why didn't WCC proceed with the conversion of the old Co-op store into a new library, as was the original plan, instead of allowing themselves to be coerced into a so-called partnership with the university?

So to recap - You can't find your way around the Dewey Decimal System, answers on a postcard about which system you seem to want to replace it with. Secondly, I am personally not aware that books other than University core texts have been moved to any restricted borrowing but I would be interested in an example please. Atmosphere of casual browsing, I suggest you familiarise yourself with the Dewey Decimal Sytem as previously stated, and if you put the book back through the returns machine or give it too staff they would do it for you - not sure what we are supposed to do anout your lack of memory. I can currently see as many people in the fiction section from where I am currently sat as are elsewhere, would you like me to go an coral some more people and make them take out fiction books - the library is busy for different groups at different times. And finally, If people were writing letters, leafing through catalogues or doing a crossword would that bother you ?? no ! then what difference does it make if they are using facebook, playing games and buying online

Welcome to 2012, please feel free to enjoy it !

Why should the taxpayer pay for anyone to use facebook, play games and buy online?

Welcome to 2012 indeed, the year of the freeloader.

By the same logic, why should the taxpayer fund copies of the latest Stephen King or James Patterson books for its citizens, or any of the resources that exist in a public library ?

Quite right, but at least they are books and are covered by the Public Libraries Acts unlike Facebook an Amazon.

brooksider wrote:

IsmellBull wrote:

brooksider wrote:

IsmellBull wrote:

Omicron wrote:
Let's face it The Hive is a mistake. I actually went down the other day with the intention of borrowing some books on local history and hobbies. Firstly, I was unable to sensibly find my way around the shelves as there seemed to be little or no logical system as to how it was all laid out. Secondly, several of the books I wanted had been "transferred" from borrowing to reference only. Thirdly, the atmosphere for casual browsing, unlike the old library in Foregate Street, is not comfortable
. Fourthly, Iwent to return a book to the shelf as I decided I did not really want it but couldn't remember where I got it from and finally I was quite alarmed to note that there was only one person browsing around the fiction section.
About 50% of the computers were in use the majority of which were being used for facebook, game playing and browsing of amazon or argos web sites.
Somehow to me the building does not have the atmosphere of a library. Evesham and Bromsgrove have relative new libraries and they are perfectly OK.
Also today it is reported that the company who took on the catering contract has gone into administration.
Why oh why didn't WCC proceed with the conversion of the old Co-op store into a new library, as was the original plan, instead of allowing themselves to be coerced into a so-called partnership with the university?

So to recap - You can't find your way around the Dewey Decimal System, answers on a postcard about which system you seem to want to replace it with. Secondly, I am personally not aware that books other than University core texts have been moved to any restricted borrowing but I would be interested in an example please. Atmosphere of casual browsing, I suggest you familiarise yourself with the Dewey Decimal Sytem as previously stated, and if you put the book back through the returns machine or give it too staff they would do it for you - not sure what we are supposed to do anout your lack of memory. I can currently see as many people in the fiction section from where I am currently sat as are elsewhere, would you like me to go an coral some more people and make them take out fiction books - the library is busy for different groups at different times. And finally, If people were writing letters, leafing through catalogues or doing a crossword would that bother you ?? no ! then what difference does it make if they are using facebook, playing games and buying online

Welcome to 2012, please feel free to enjoy it !

Why should the taxpayer pay for anyone to use facebook, play games and buy online?

Welcome to 2012 indeed, the year of the freeloader.

By the same logic, why should the taxpayer fund copies of the latest Stephen King or James Patterson books for its citizens, or any of the resources that exist in a public library ?

Quite right, but at least they are books and are covered by the Public Libraries Acts unlike Facebook an Amazon.

Well lets see how well the economy does or whether continue to use public libraries if we ignore changes in technology. Or maybe we can have an P.C.P.C that will monitor what a computer is being used for. If you didn;t have a computer at home should you be excluded from accessing services that are almost exclusively online? I think the provision of computers in libraries has been a shot in the arm for a noble symbol of a liberal democracy - the inclusion and betterment of ALL its citizens. It is as true now as it was at the height of the reforming, liberalising, non-conformist and inclusive aims of its Victorian forebarers - to put power in the hands of all regardless of means. What about a Kindle - how would you service that need, the world is changing and we all need to change with it.

I cannot believe how much students are stereotyped. I am a student and as many of you have said I am not one of these students that roll out of the clubs at 3am making a noise. So what....? I am sure many of you either do/did do this in your youth.
Back to the subject of the article, I have used the Hive once since it opened and will not be using it again unless something appropriate is set up. I went in to do an assignment, my first issue is the lack of computers I could access in the university/public section. There were some but not all people on the computer doing work, however there were more playing ridiculous games. This really wound me up and as a result I walked around the whole section making sure everyone could hear how annoying it was that I couldn't use a computer to actually do work!! I am not saying that this was just the general public, I feel Facebook and social networking sites should be barred on these computers.
I had to settle for a computer in the youth zone which was beyond noisy with teenage lads play fighting. I left after some 15 minutes and decided I'd do the work on my laptop in a coffee shop where I did not have all the resources I should have access to.
The Hive has some major flaws, I live in Malvern and travel into university, I cannot understand why there is no parking especially for the Hive. It costs enough to run a car as a student without having to pay to park to use the library. I can only just afford to go to university as the students loan company do not give students like myself enough support. Supposedly my parents earn enough to support me, I can see why so many potential students are put off by university now. Plus, it's so much easier to go on the dole.
Something needs to be done!!! Not only for students but for those who go to the library to do research for their businesses etc.

My word Ismellbull you certainly have a large chip on your shoulder don't you.
I cannot see with the patronising attitude you have that you would be of any real benefit to an employer.

Omicron wrote:
My word Ismellbull you certainly have a large chip on your shoulder don't you.
I cannot see with the patronising attitude you have that you would be of any real benefit to an employer.

I wasn't aware that I was applying for a job, I was expressing my views based on a simple presumptive basis. If you have a better suggestion for progress, please share it - if you simply want to bemoan that things aren't like they used to be then can it.

"Move out of the new road if you can't lend your hand...."

IsmellBull wrote:

Omicron wrote: My word Ismellbull you certainly have a large chip on your shoulder don't you. I cannot see with the patronising attitude you have that you would be of any real benefit to an employer.

I wasn't aware that I was applying for a job, I was expressing my views based on a simple presumptive basis. If you have a better suggestion for progress, please share it - if you simply want to bemoan that things aren't like they used to be then can it. "Move out of the new road if you can't lend your hand...."

So.... you don't work then?

Omicron wrote:

IsmellBull wrote:

Omicron wrote: My word Ismellbull you certainly have a large chip on your shoulder don't you. I cannot see with the patronising attitude you have that you would be of any real benefit to an employer.

I wasn't aware that I was applying for a job, I was expressing my views based on a simple presumptive basis. If you have a better suggestion for progress, please share it - if you simply want to bemoan that things aren't like they used to be then can it. "Move out of the new road if you can't lend your hand...."

So.... you don't work then?

I am gainfully employed, as I have always been since leaving school, many of those jobs have been customer facing for employers with a fine history of delivering world class service. But thanks for your concern regardless, I guess you could say I have seen much more than my fair share of naysayers and little men that relish the opportunity to tell you 'it's all load of rot, I told you so, standards are slipping etc' and will do so time and again to fill a void in their litte world.
I am also quite adept at dealing with a situation instead of grumbling about one, make it better instead of enjoy it being worse.