Oxford Delays “Theme-Park” Plan
for Bodleian Library
After strong opposition from academics, the public, and local politicians, university administrators withdrew a plan announced in September 2000 to charge an entrance fee to the Bodleian Library, the main research library of the University of Oxford, England. According to the March 22 London Times, conservationists were particularly incensed about plans to cut a side entrance for paying visitors through the Great Gate in the Old Schools Quadrangle, built in 1617.
The Quadrangle is the familiar subject of many paintings and postcards and has been traditionally used as a free thoroughfare by students, tourists, and city residents. The visitor program—dubbed a “theme-park” proposal by opponents—was intended to reduce noise and congestion as well as raise funds for the library.
“Rather than simply closing the gates to all tourists,” a library spokesperson said in the March 18 Guardian newspaper, “we are taking a great deal of care to find a proposal which balances the operational needs of a working library with efforts to provide well-managed access to an important heritage site.”
The university announced that it will be considering revisions to its plans.
Posted March 26, 2001.
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