Library - Extended Hours Conclusion

Under pressure the library opened for extended hours during the fall semester 2006.  A survey was conducted in order to determine the need and the responses led to the formation of a schedule for more times to be opened.

By any standards of measurement the extended hours experiment has failed.  A count was taken in the middle of each hour for the extra hours.  For many of these hours no one was present; the highest number in any given hours was 12.  With the exception of one Saturday during final exams the average number of persons/hour was between 2 and 3.  “Once hours are extended added use will catch on” is simply not true.

The primary use by our regular students was to “discuss” in groups at the tables with their notes and papers even though such activity is clearly stated as prohibited.  Many are unwilling to cooperate in following this directive.  Generally this activity involved no need of library resources.  Other male/female pairs wanted to engage in social conversation.

The system further supported bad habits in students’ behavior.  On the first day one was observed sitting on the table while her friend was applying make-up on her.  Some would delay checking out a book or returning one.  Some would rush in after normal closing time to claim their bags that were in storage during the day.  In general the activities of the students during the extended hours were in no way related to the functions of a university library.

Where were the Masters and Higher Diploma students who claimed in the survey they needed to have access to library resources for their research?  They were not observed during the semester.

At times during the extended hours the library server was down.  With no technical support present severe limitations in our service resulted.

Security was not always able to turn away non Bethlehem university personnel.  It was clearly stated in the announcement that our service was offered only to Bethlehem University students and faculty.

Some of the students with special needs took advantage of the extra hours made available.

Considering all the above the experiment of extended hours for the library is terminated; the end of the experiment is effective 22 December 2006.

In place of the system of the past semester I propose a new one.  At times when a significant number of students need to have access to the library resources outside normal hours and are willing to cooperate with stated policies the students will make a request three days in advance.  If possible arrangements will be made to open for a limited time.