December 6, 2005
To:The Editors The Daily Free Press
From:Bob Hudson Director Mugar Memorial Library Subject:oeStaff Edit: Extend the library’s hours”
I am writing to comment on your call for expanded library hours during the period leading up to finals. Mugar Memorial Library remains one of the few in the Boston area that opens for 24 hours during any period. Because of similar suggestions made by the Student Union, Mugar has offered hours both until 2 a.m. in advance of Finals, and for twenty-four hours during the entire week prior to them. The response was disappointing to the libraries and the Student Union. In May of 2003, for instance, on the four nights the library was open until 2 a.m. fewer than 10 students entered the library after midnight. Further, the average number of students in the building at 1:30 a.m. was under thirty-five, whereas on the same days for the week during finals the average was over 225. A similar disparity exists between the days it was open prior to Reading Period and in Reading Period/Final Exams itself. As several recent articles in The Daily Free Press point out, there is a trend for students to use Internet services in compliment with the traditional library. In this regard, even when the library is closed, we make over 23,000 journals, 400 databases, and a 24/7 oechat” reference service available. The libraries need to operate responsibly within its resources. The demand for extended hours of service has clearly proven itself to be highest during Finals and our services are structured for it. We are always working to improve services to students, faculty, and researchers, and welcome all suggestions. Thank you for your interest in the libraries.
********************** Robert E. Hudson Director Mugar Memorial Library Boston University 771 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215
(617) 353-3710 fax: (617) 353-2084 email: rehuds@bu.edu
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