Penryn Library has a good range of books and excellent customer service but poor opening hours, according to a survey carried out by students from the Penryn Campus.

A group of politics students from University of Exeter are carrying out the research into library use on behalf of Penryn Town Council, as they learn how to apply research to real world situations.

A preliminary report presented to the town clerk found that current opening hours are considered poor, and were not convenient for people who work or those with children.

However, users also said that the service was excellent, and that the book collection was "very good for a small library," with 87 per cent of those surveyed agreeing that the library was "very important to them."

Criticisms included that the two public computers were insufficient, and that Link Into Learning was not using the mezzanine floor that it occupied, while while three quarters of non-users said they would use the library if it offered free WiFi.

It was also suggested that there was a need for classes including in language, history, and IT, as well as help with employability, and that the library could provide greater access to books by linking with the university.

Clare Saunders, associate professor in politics at the University of Exeter, said: "The students are working with Penryn Town Council to help them work out imaginative ways to make the most of Penryn library services given pending devolution.

"The results will go to the town council to help them develop services, but we may also publish the executive summaries on the University web pages."

The town council is currently looking to take over the library building and services fro Cornwall Council.

A final report will be presented by the students to the town council in May.