The University has found the money despite the current financial pressures on higher education, in recognition of the vital importance to students of an adequate supply of books and other learning resources.

Professor David Clarke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: “The extra funding will help to deal with a backlog of unmet need and improve students’ learning experience at Bristol.

“This is part of a wider programme that includes making the best possible use of existing resources, including online provision.”

The additional spending follows the investment of over £4 million in 2008/09 in physical improvements to the Arts and Social Sciences Library and the Medical Library.