For now, while there are students brushing up for exams in the halls, academics across the UK who want the BL’s core services are struggling. Writer Dr Dick McCaw, a reader in performance practices at Royal Holloway University, has been using the library for decades, and written six books here. “I’m starting to do my research for the next book. And to be honest with you, I have no idea how I’m going to get hold of this stuff,” he says. Dr Catherine Bateson, a history lecturer at the University of Kent, says she’s may have to change her undergraduate course because some resources aren’t available, and mourns the loss of research scholarships for young academics. Phoebe Day, 25, is doing an art history PhD, and says while her work has been delayed, it’s not as bad as some of her friends who have had their lives on hold for months.