Students will have to find some place else to pull all nighters studying during finals season this year, as the library will no longer be open 24 hours, as it has in the past.
Michael Capella, Interim Dean of Libraries, said the hours changed due to the lack of students using the library past 2 a.m., the time the library closes on standard work weeks.
The library staff tracked the number of students that would come to the library between 2-7 a.m. and found that the average was only 6 students.
Patricia Nugent, Associate Dean of Libraries, said some nights, there weren’t even any students at all, making it questionable if it’s necessary for the library to be open 24/7 during finals.
Additionally, a lot of finals have been online or take-home exams, making the library unnecessary for many students.
Student workers on the late shifts would have to stay up all night working instead of studying for their own finals, causing stress, according to Nugent.
Capella mentioned closing the library after 2 a.m. encourages students to value their own mental health and to rest to prepare for finals, rather than pulling all-nighters.
The Student Library Advisory Board, according to Capella, is in favor of this new change since it seems to use a lot of resources and effort for the number of students who utilize the library 24/7.
“One thing that isn’t going to change is our welcoming environment,” said Capella. The library will be providing snacks and beverages to students in the evening and in the early morning.
The library is working to create a comprehensive list of alternative study options for students on campus.
However, there is no option available for students wanting to study from 2-7 a.m.. The library staff encourages students to study in their dorms during this time.
