In response to student feedback regarding the reduction in weekend hours at the Killam Library, those hours are being restored immediately.
Starting this weekend, the Killam Library will again be open Friday and Saturday evenings until 12 a.m.
The decision to reduce hours was budget-driven and based on usage data that told us those late-night hours were the least utilized at the library. However, that’s not to say the library was unused during those times, and students made it clear they want the Libraries open those evenings. We also heard how much students appreciate spaces for alcohol-free dining options, and access to venues and rooms for evening events on those days.
We remain committed to lowering our costs, but we recognize that extended access to the library is important to you. As a result, we will explore how we can lower expenses in other ways.
I want to thank everyone who provided feedback to us, and I apologize for the inconvenience that this change caused our community.
Sincerely,
Donna Bourne-Tyson
University Librarian
Bruce says
Thanks for doing this.
If you want to lower costs, you could consider closing the circulation desk earlier with the library staying open. If I’m not mistaken, people could still use the self-check-out thing.
Marlo MacKay says
Thanks for the suggestion. We’re investigating many cost-saving options, and I will pass on your idea.
J. Scanlon says
If I’m not mistaken, the idea of closing the circulation desk and all other services while leaving the actual library open until later (with a minimal security presence) has been floating around for years. When people suggest it on the “CCC” board, it has always been summarily rejected with no explanation. How passing the idea on this time will produce different results is beyond me, but prove me wrong.
Marlo MacKay says
I make no promise that the suggestion will be adopted, as there could be a number of good reasons why (if it’s already been suggested as you say) that it hasn’t been adopted to this point. I do promise to pass the suggestion on, though.
Kelsey Hutton says
We may have the library hours back but the money to keep it open has to come from somewhere. I heard that after this semester Dalhousie students will no longer be able to access JSTOR for free for articles and journals etc. Is this true?! I would much rather have shorter library hours and complete access to thousands of journals and articles than have library hours the same and have to pay for JSTOR
Marlo MacKay says
Hi Kelsey,
We can assure you that there are no plans to cancel JSTOR. In addition, we plan to spend $5,741,510 on new acquisitions this year and we will continue to invest in our collection next year. We have already purchased access to 84,000 e-journals, approximately 1,000 print and e-books, and more than 50 materials in other formats, such as DVDs, maps, etc.