Published: 14 September, 2012
by ANDREW JOHNSON

THERE were more demonstrations outside beleaguered London Metropolitan University in Holloway Road yesterday (Thurs) – this time about its controversial decision to offload the world-renowned Women’s Library from its custom-built building.

The university says it can no longer afford the £1m to run the library. But opponents fear the decision to relocate it will make it inaccessible.

A specially commissioned panel met at the university yesterday to decide the library’s fate. Only one bidder – the London School of Economics – has offered to run the library.

But Dr Laura Schwartz, of the Save the Women’s Library Campaign, said the LSE, would move the collection from its purpose-built building. “It is crucial if the collection is to remain accessible that it and staff remain in The Women's Library Building,” she said.

The panel’s decision will not be made public until the next London Met Board of Governors meeting on September 27.

Students’ course hunt

A  “MINI-clearing system” for students caught up in the decision to strip Holloway-based London Met University of its right to sponsor international students will be launched on Monday.

The government is investing £2million in transferring up to 2,600 foreign students to alternative universities in the UK. Those who aren’t able to be relocated face being deported.

At the same time the university will go to the High Court next Friday to launch a legal action against the UK Border Agency, whose recommendation resulted in the institution being no longer able to sponsor foreign visas.