The librarians and staff have discussed the letter to the Argus and want to let the students and faculty know that we understand and are sympathetic to your concerns about finding quiet spaces for study—24/7. We are, of course, happy that students like the library so much and choose us as the study space of choice. We will continue to try to live up to your expectations and high praise we always get from the Senior Survey.
Ideally, the libraries would be open 24/7. Unfortunately, most campuses, including Wesleyan, simply don’t have the resources to do this. Even if we did have the student wages to do this, it is difficult to find students willing to work those wee morning hours. We need to consider such issues as personal safety and building security as well.
The Library has taken some steps to extend hours. Last year we extended Friday evening hours, based on student recommendations, but couldn’t find student workers to cover that time. However, we have not given up. We have just transformed the lower level of SciLi into a beautiful, quiet study space and will be adding 12 new carrel spaces for Fall 2007. We are looking at remodeling another space in Olin as well.
Dianne Kelly, Circulation Manager, and I will continue to work with the Student Library Advisory Committee on the issue of hours. If you are interested in serving on this committee, you will get a free lunch four times a year, and get engaged in very interesting issues. Please contact Sam Ruth or me.
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