The library is considering extending its hours from 12 a.m. to 1 a.m. during the week.
Dr. John Weaver, dean of library services and educational technology, met with the Students’ Association Wednesday evening to discuss changes the library could make to improve its service to students. Several SA members voiced their desire to extend library hours, but Weaver said increasing hours would be a challenging endeavor.
“We’re hearing all the time that our students want longer hours. The reality is this is a time where we are facing budget challenges at ACU,” Weaver said. “I’ve actually had to reduce student hours in the library by 10 percent this year, and that’s directly related to our ability to keep the library open longer.”
Currently, the library closes at midnight on Monday-Thursday. Weaver said by the next academic year he plans to move closing time from 12-1 a.m. on those days.
“My goal would be to be open 24/7. We’re not going to be there for a while,” Weaver said. “What we’re hearing is that if we can at least move to 1 a.m. that would be a significant step.”
Weaver also addressed the amount of time a student can have a book checked out. Currently, a student can hold a book for up to six weeks before having to renew the checkout period. Weaver said he hopes to extend this time to a full semester, but it might take until the end of the academic year to implement.
“I am arguing for longer check out periods,” Weaver said. “Not only students, but also the faculty think in terms of at least a semester duration for this material.”
Additionally, Weaver said the library may add additional outlets on the first floor; formally designate quiet zones; replace the current elevator; and increase awareness about library services.
Congress also voted to pass a resolution in support of Basement Bash, an event meant to increase social interaction between students. The resolution was introduced by Junior President Brady Kyle, Junior Vice President Bryson Shake and Junior Treasurer Bo Braddock.
“Basically, Basement Bash is the going-away party for the bowling alley,” said Braddock, junior biology major from Deer Park. “We did an event similar to this last year and it went well.”
Basement Bash will be conducted on Nov. 27 from 7-9 p.m. in the Campus Center bowling alley. The funding for Basement Bash will be provided by freshmen and juniors, but students from all classes are invited to participate.
Congress will not meet next week because of the Thanksgiving holiday break.
Absent members:
Asim Dobuni, McKinzie Hall representative
Kaitlyn Warton, McDonald Hall representative
Emily O’Rear, Sherrod representative
Alex Falcon, Harding Administration representative
