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AS a member of convocation and a graduate of University College, London, I used to use the libraries of the University of London and University College without payment. I was a student for 11 years, and an academic member of the staff of universities for 35 years.

In recent years, university libraries have started charging former students and members of staff fees, which become significant when one retires on a university pension and wishes to continue academic work.

I wonder if all universities in Britain - and perhaps subsequently those in the European Community - could allow active and retired university staff to use the library facilities of all university libraries without cost. I do not believe that it would be very expensive, and it would probably enrich the cultural life of the country.

Harold Hillman

Unity Laboratory of Applied Neurobiology, Guildford