Students want longer hours for library, labs |
Danielle Stern |
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If a group of sociology students has its way, SIUE students would be able to spend more time using computers in Lovejoy Library and the Cougar Village Commons. Twelve students make up "ABle," a special two-semester, upper-division sociology class designed to solve a particular problem on campus. Lead by professors Jennifer Hamer and John Farley, this year's group has focused on the issue of student access. "The problem is the fact that student services are not meeting the needs of students," said Toni Golden, a senior in the class. ABle narrowed its goal to extend hours in the library, as well as the Cougar Village Commons computer lab and laundry service hours. The students would like to see those facilities open 24 hours, seven days a week. "We wanted to get something that would benefit students as a whole," Golden said. The Commons extended regular hours in January to 2 a.m. Assistant Director of University Housing Cindy Bush said front desk workers have been monitoring usage to determine if the later hours are necessary next fall. Bush said nothing has been determined yet. The students obtained 1,200 student signatures on a petition they circulated earlier this month. Their plan is to present the petition to Chancellor David Werner and Lovejoy Library Dean Jay Starratt. The students said they approached Library and Information Services and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Hamer said she spoke with Werner and he was responsive to the idea. "It's the end of the semester, and it's hard to schedule to something," Golden said. Raquel Hyde, a senior ABle student, said Starratt will visit the class at 5 p.m. Wednesday. However, secretaries in the chancellor and vice chancellor offices were unfamiliar with the petition. Werner was unavailable for comment. ABle students said they would like to see open access permanently, but longer hours for finals preparation is a start. "Our goal is to have 24-hour access, period," Golden said. "At a minimum , what we'd like to see is it open more during finals week." ABle originally approached Student Body President Phil Gersman with the idea. Gersman told them the issue had been brought to student government in the past, but no one was responsive to it. "So we generated petitions to see how responsive students would be," said ABle member and junior Rashida Bush. According to group members, most students they approached were enthusiastic. "We were very happy with it," said Jill Quandt, a senior ABle student. Gersman said he was unaware of the petition, but he relayed all the students' original concerns to Starrattand delivered Starratt's responses to Farley. Following that communication, the library extended its regular hours by 30 minutes on weeknights and three hours on weekends for the two weeks leading up to finals. According to Farley, the students were happy about the longer hours but still wanted more accessibility. "They were hoping for more than that," he said. Gersman said it would be very expensive to keep the library open all day and night, but he applauds the students' efforts. "These students have a valid point," Gersman said. The students said they know costs such as personnel and utilities will increase if hours are extended but the increased costs will be worthwhile. "If you weigh the costs and the benefits, it will benefit students as a whole," Golden said. | |