Modification in Library hours causes reactions from UB students

Two purple balloons and a standing white board stands at the entrance of the Magnus Wahlstrom Library, informing students, faculty and staff of the major change that will take place tonight, Monday, September 19. The 1^st floor of the Library will be open for 24-hours on weekdays, ensuring more study and quiet time for those interested in taking advantage.

Senior and Martial Arts major Shane Staat is "absolutely ecstatic" about this reform in library hours.

"I get so much more done here than I do in my apartment," Staat said. "I feel better getting work done here than I do at home."

Staat said that he would have liked for it be 24 hours on weekends, but he can understand how student-demand can play a part in that decision. However, he feels that if Scribe café were open 24-hours too, they would make a lot of money, especially from coffee purchases.

"We [students] need fuel!" Staats said.

Junior Jocelyn Barna is happy about the new library hours.

"I get more done here than my dorm room," Barna said. "I feel like if I'm in the library, not that I'm forced but, it's more of an option to do my work."

No library services will be available after midnight and the Print Room and Copiers cannot be accessed between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m. The Scribe café will have the same hours on Friday and weekends, but will close at 12 a.m. Monday through Thursday, extending three hours past the usual closing time.

Scribe Café Cashier/Server Ramona Nogic said that the new hours don't really affect her, since she leaves hours before the closing time. However, she does not see the reason for the new 24-hour access.

"I don't think it's necessary," Nogic said. "I don't see many people after a certain time."

Junior and Biology Major Hannah Boyd lives off campus and states that this change won't affect her much, except during Finals.

"It encourages us to study at night," Boyd said. "[Whereas] we should be studying during the day and sleeping at night. I prefer to study in the day [and get my eight hours of sleep].

Boyd is not only concerned about the employees having to work during the night now, but if the extension of hours will even be worth it.

"I wonder if it's worth the staffing, electricity and the investment," she said. "I wonder if there will be much people."

Junior and Student Government President Colin Capaci, is proud to have this change at UB.

"I think it adds to the academic legitimacy of the university," Capaci said. "Any reputable academic institution has a 24-hour library."

The Library Hours are as followed:

Monday- Thursday: 24 hours

Fridays: Open until 9 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. – all night