Library & Student Services

What's going on with the clipboards?

If you see Library staff around the building with large clipboards or laptops, don’t be alarmed - we are just carrying out one of our regular headcounts. We do this for a week every month from October to May.
Library staff member taking headcount

We do a headcount in each area of the Library, and note where people are sitting and whether people are using PCs, books, tablets and laptops. So please excuse us if we are peering over at your table!

Library staff member taking headcounts

This information helps us tailor our services to your needs. It also helps us gain information about popular study spaces, levels of PC occupancy, how many of you bring in your own devices and how many use books to study.

Tablet PC collating headcounts

We are currently using a low-tech pen, paper and clipboard approach in the Sheila Silver Library and trialling a new online system using laptops at Headingley Library. Information from the headcounts contributes to decisions about the current refurbishment of the Sheila Silver Library, such as planning what kind of seating and tables will be installed on the new first floor.