Carrel Occupancy Sensors Now in Use

To ensure fair access to our high-demand study spaces, the Library has installed occupancy sensors across all study carrels on G/F, 3/F, and 5/F.

The sensors detect carrels that have been vacant for an extended period, helping users quickly identify available study spaces while promoting responsible use of shared facilities.

The implementation includes a system that allows users to hold a carrel for a short period when stepping away temporarily, so they can return to their study space without worrying about it being taken by others.

Finding a Study Carrel

Each study carrel is equipped with a display panel that automatically indicates its status:

• Occupied – The carrel is currently in use.
• I’ll be Back – The carrel is being on hold by another user.
• Vacant – The carrel is available for use.

Simply look for a carrel displaying Vacant and take a seat.

Taking a Short Break?

Need to step away for a short while? You can keep your carrel by placing it on hold:

1. Scan the QR code on the display panel.
2. Select the hold option to reserve your carrel temporarily.
3. Return within the designated hold period.

If you leave without activating a hold, or if you fail to return before the hold period expires, the system will automatically change the carrel status to Vacant, allowing others to use the space.

Managing Your Hold Status

During the hold period, you can scan the QR code again to:

• Update your status with I’m Back
• Hold again if needed
• Release the carrel when you have finished

This helps ensure that study spaces remain available and efficiently utilised by all users.

Using Carrels Responsibly

To help create a fair and welcoming study environment:

• Vacate your seat when you are no longer using it or will be away for an extended period.
• Come back on time after placing a hold, and update the Hold status when you return.
• Please be aware that unattended items left in a Vacant carrel may be moved to designated racks by Library staff.

If you wish to use a Vacant carrel that contains unattended items, please contact Library staff at the P/F Service Counter or call 2766 6864 during counter hours for assistance.

Keeping Your Belonging Safe

While the new system helps manage seat occupancy, users remain responsible for their personal belongings.

We recommend that you:

• Use the Library’s Laptop Lockers for temporary storage of your laptops and tablets.
• Avoid leaving valuables unattended at any time.

Please note that the Library is not responsible for any loss or damage to personal belongings.