Zernike University Library May Close, But Study Spaces Will Remain
The University Library (UB) is considering closing its Zernike branch due to high costs and declining usage, but study spaces will remain available for students.
The University Library (UB) is considering closing its Zernike branch due to high costs and declining usage, according to a report by UKrant. While the library services may be phased out, study spaces and studios at the location will remain available for students.
Rising Costs, Declining Demand
The UB Zernike (UBZ) is primarily used by students and staff from the Faculty of Spatial Sciences (FSS), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB), and Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE). While the branch provides study areas, studios, and access to an open book collection—including mandatory course literature, reference works, monographs, and printed journals—its overall usage has decreased significantly in recent years.
A large portion of the library’s collection is now accessible online, leading to a steady decline in the borrowing of physical books. According to UKrant, loans have dropped from 5,286 in 2017 to just 1,780 in 2024. Despite this, staffing costs remain high, with the UBZ operating on an annual budget of €168,000, of which €38,000 is contributed by Zernike faculties.
In light of these challenges, the heads of library support and research support have recommended to the UB management that the library desk should be closed, and the physical collection should be relocated, either to the university’s city centre location or a storage facility at Zernike.
What Will Change?
If the proposal is accepted:
Library counter services will end, and students will no longer be able to borrow or return books at Zernike.
The physical book collection may be relocated to the university’s main library in the city centre or to a storage facility at Zernike.
Study spaces and studios will remain, possibly with expanded capacity for students needing a place to work.
Next Steps: Decision Expected in March
The future of UB Zernike will be decided in the coming months. According to UB director Marjolein Nieboer, the faculty boards of FEB and FSS will discuss the proposed closure in March. Afterward, the UB employees' council will provide an official advisory opinion.
If the plan proceeds, the downsizing will take place gradually, and existing library staff will be reassigned to other locations, including the UB in the city centre. According to Nieboer, one employee is set to retire later this year and will not be replaced.