ASBSU to repeat extended library hours

ASBSU is once again working on a budget to extend library hours during finals week, scheduled the week of Dec. 15. The library plans to remain open 24 hours starting Sunday, Dec. 15, and will stay open until the last day of finals.

One library employee must be on duty during each extended shift, which means additional funding must be found to cover the extra work hours.

Winnie Tong, ASBSU senator-at-large, said Boise State would have to compensate library employees for overtime in order to keep the library open extra hours.

“It’s a personal staffing issue,” Tong said.

During a trial run last year, library staff were given an extra day off for Christmas to compensate for the work they put in during the long shifts. This led to problems when students needed to check in books before they went home on vacation.

ASBSU is willing to come up with the money to support the library this semester, but the management of the library would like the extended hours during finals week to become a regular event that students can count on.

BSU doesn’t offer a 24-hour facility on a regular basis, but in the past the school has arranged for the library to stay open around the clock during finals week. The SUB offers late-night hours, but closes at midnight.

“The next closest thing is Shari’s,” Tong said.

Student turnout indicated the importance of 24-hour library availability. Last year the number of people using the library during extended hours varied, but there was never a time when no students were using the library.

During one hour, library occupancy reached 86, which is above average for any time of the year. Last spring, over 1,000 students used the library as a study facility during the finals run.

Tong said ASBSU’s primary concern is the security of students wandering around during the late hours of the night.

Students are provided coffee and a snack that helps them get through the long hours so that they don’t have to go elsewhere. If necessary, the Department of University Security officers will escort students to their vehicles when they are ready to leave.

For support and suggestions call the ASBSU office at 426-1440.

Colleen Underwood, The Arbiter

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