Protest at library's water ban

Strathclyde University students are complaining that while the library may meet their thirst for knowledge, it is ignoring their thirst for liquid.

The students' association is seeking to overturn a ban on bringing water into the library, which has been in force for several years. In the run up to exams, the students claim that being unable to drink while they study could undermine their revision.

Jamie Davidson, students' association president, said: "It has been scientifically proven that taking in water while studying helps improve concentration. Nobody else would be expected to leave their workplace every time they wanted a drink."

He stressed that the students' association was not seeking carte blanche to bring snacks and other drinks into the library. "We're not looking for a cafeteria atmosphere in our library, just a bit more understanding on this one issue."

Peter West, the university secretary, said: "We will be taking the issue to senate in June. There is a library regulation, dating back to a time of disorder in the library, banning all food and drink other than water, which is supplied in drinking fountains."