Marston Library: A Student-Driven Shift Back to Round-the-Clock Access

Marston Science Library is once again open 24 hours a day, five days a week, after students voiced their concerns. This change came about because of student feedback and the efforts of student representatives. The library had previously reduced its hours, but the demand for a 24-hour study space led to a reversal of that decision. The funding for these extended hours doesn't come from the usual library budget. Instead, it's provided by the university provost. This means that the money for keeping Marston open all night is separate from the regular library funds. The decision to extend the hours was made after student representatives brought a resolution to the university's board of trustees. Before the pandemic, Library West was the one open 24/7. But after the pandemic, things changed. A student survey showed that students were almost equally split on which library they preferred. The library staff also considered the location of Newell Hall, which closes earlier than the libraries. They thought it would be easier for students to move from Newell to Marston than to Library West.Marston was chosen for 24/7 access because it has a wider floor plan, making it easier for security to monitor late at night. Plus, it's located next to the Hub, a central spot on campus. This means students don't have to walk far in the dark to study. Student Government played a big role in bringing back the 24-hour access. The president of Student Government, Blake Cox, advocated for the change long before taking office. He explained the importance of a 24-hour Marston to the university's board of trustees. The interim president and the interim dean of the libraries also supported the idea, believing it could be done without a significant cost increase. Some students are happy with the change. They feel that Student Government is listening to their needs. Others think it's important to have a 24-hour library, regardless of the budget. They see it as a way for the university to invest in student success. However, library usage data shows that not many students stay late. Most leave by 9 p. m. , even when the library is open until 1 a. m. This raises the question: Is keeping Marston open all night the best use of university resources?