Library conversion: Students are desperately looking for learning places!

Library conversion: Students are desperately looking for learning places!

In front of the audience of the University Library of the University of Vienna are barrier grids - the facility has started with comprehensive renovation work. The historic reading room, which usually offers space for 360 students, remains closed until the end of 2026, as Andreas Brandtner, head of the university library, explains. This closure falls critically in the examination phase of the students, which are now dependent on calm and concentration in order to pass their exams. It clearly shows that the library is an important attraction during this time, which is why the students are forced to see other learning places, as orf reports.

The main library's pressure pressure (ÖNB) records an increase in its number of visitors by 15 to 20 percent compared to the previous year, says Margot Werner, Head of Use and Information. In the ÖNB there are over 400 reading spots spread over five reading rooms, and the crowds are noticeable: long snakes form in front of the entrance. The ÖNB took measures to cope with the rush, including the introduction of break watches that enable a 45-minute reservation, and the provision of information about available reading spaces on the website. Daily 800 to 1,000 people use the reading rooms of the ÖNB, which are now open until midnight, while during a special event called "Late Week" from January 20th to 26th, additional offers such as yoga and guided tours are offered, as is mentioned at ÖNB

Alternative learning locations for students

In order to compensate for the lack of reading spaces in the university library, the University of Vienna offers various alternatives. This includes 35 departmental libraries, 11 of which have longer opening times, as well as special reading locations such as a covered atrium and the magazine hall of the Teinfaltstrasse branch. An lecture hall in the old economic university was also rented. The feedback on these alternatives is consistently positive. In addition, on January 23, the university organizes a special night shift, "one night of homework" to help students write their work. This takes place for the first time in the juridicum and is open to learning until 6 a.m.