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University libraries are disposing of books and traditional texts and resources in an attempt to accommodate more computer suites.

Research has shown that British universities are turning their backs on hard copies of texts in preference of supplying more e-learning facilities.

On average, 13,600 books are removed from each institution library a year, compared to only 7,000 a year ten years ago. According to official figures, 1.8 million hard copies of journals and books are disposed of every year.

The figures are a worrying development for many students who prefer paper-based accounts and those that have difficulties with using computers.

Disposing of books from university libraries is not the first attack on the printed volume: the closure of many local libraries has led to universities being one of the few guardians of the printed press.

The move away from physical books has angered some academics, who raise questions about eye-straining difficulties whilst using e-resources.

The diminishing number of books also makes browsing for texts a more difficult process.

The University of Portsmouth Library, conversely, purchases about 14,000 new publications a year. University librarian, Ian Bonar, explained that, “We only dispose of out of date, superseded editions or books in poor physical condition.”

The University of Portsmouth also offer some books set for disposal to students for free or at discounted prices.