Praise for Cambridge University Library in funding report

Commissioned by HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England), the review was carried out by Sir Ivor Crewe, former vice-chancellor of the University of Essex.

Focusing on seven UK research libraries: University of London Senate House, Oxford, Manchester, LSE, UCL, School of Oriental and African Studies, and Cambridge, Crewe praised Cambridge in the 46-page report.

He said: “The scale, distinction and uniqueness of the Cambridge University Library collection are reflected in the quality of the services and facilities it offers external users. Particularly strong features include the complete digitisation of and remote online access to the main catalogue and all rare books.”

“Comment from external users in the consultation was overwhelmingly positive with particular reference to the quality and depth of the collection.”

Since digesting the report, HEFCE has put plans in place to follow through the recommendation that five of the libraries including Cambridge – be designated as ‘National Research Libraries’ (NRLs).

University Librarian Peter Fox said: “The report’s findings are a fitting tribute to the many years of hard work by our staff at the University Library. The contribution they have made in maintaining and enhancing our world-class reputation cannot be underestimated.”

The report noted extra funding was vital to maintain the UK’s world-class research and scholarship in the humanities and social sciences in an increasingly competitive international environment. It also said current special funding failed by a considerable margin to meet the true overall costs of providing for national research needs. Cambridge and the other libraries were noted as ‘heavily subsidising’ the national research community – and therefore should be entitled to renewable, long-term supplementary funding.