During every exam season, seat-hogging becomes a recurring problem in university libraries, sparking outrage from students. Recently, a TikTok video uploaded by user bblau revealed that several items had been left on desks for a week to reserve seats in one of the libraries at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
The footage showed empty desks piled with items such as laptops, bags, food, bottles, and even monitors. Another user, StandingLemur, took to Reddit to share his frustration about the lack of available seats, with most of the chairs taken by 8.30am, as he struggled to find a place to study. In response to these grievances, NUS has implemented hourly checks between 8.30am and 6pm to discourage seat-hogging.
The university librarian, Dr Natalie Pang, explained that bookmarks would be placed on unattended items to inform the owners, but if the items are still left unattended after the next round of checks, they will be removed.
Furthermore, all unattended items left overnight in the libraries will be cleared the next morning. Dr Pang stressed that NUS has policies in place that prohibit seat reservations and give library staff the authority to remove unattended belongings.
The feedback on this new measure has been positive, and the university encourages everyone to show consideration and courtesy to ensure that there is equitable access to study facilities for all.
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