University Enforces Spring Decision, Cuts Library Operating Hours

(Photo courtesy of University of Dayton’s Facebook Page)

James Martin | Contributing Writer

NOTE: In this article, which appears on the Flyer News website and in the Nov. 5 online issue of the newspaper, a reference to hours at Roesch should have said the library was open 24/7 only prior to and during final exams. Flyer News regrets the error.

In the spring, the university announced the shortening of library hours for the 2024–2025 school year, impacting the studies of students this semester campuswide. 

 Roesch Library now closes at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Dean of Libraries Matt Shaw, said, “The decision to reduce hours of operation was primarily based on the same type of attendance data pattern analysis conducted by many libraries to determine appropriate hours of operation. Here at UD, attendance during extended overnight hours was consistently low, dropping to single digits, including zero, after 11 p.m. on the majority of evenings throughout the semester.”

Although the attendance in Roesch Library was minimal during these times, Student Government Association (SGA) has received multiple complaints from students, and are already in the process of finding a solution. 

“Multiple class representatives involved in advocacy projects, as well as President Carr-Chellman and I are in discussions with administrators about what we can do to potentially lengthen the hours of the library and what alternative spaces for late night study we can offer,” said SGA Vice President, Stuart Schramm. “There is also a student representative on a committee dedicated to coming up with more solutions as well.”

Solutions will have to be implemented fast if they want to make significant changes this semester, as the semester is already past the halfway point. Students worried about library hours specifically around finals week should not, as the library will be open 24/7 the week before and the week of final exams.

Shaw repeatedly focuses back on data as the reasoning for the change in hours, denying that the decision had anything to do with finances. But he did mention that it has had a positive financial impact in his statement.

(Pictured is Matt Shaw, Dean of University Libraries)

“While the adjustment in hours had a positive budget impact…In an effort to optimize the use of our budgets to advance student learning, teaching and research, and community engagement, low-impact costs should be eliminated to allow the Libraries and the University to use budget dollars for the best and highest use for UD’s mission and work. In short, the reduction in hours was a logical and responsible decision best framed as careful stewardship rather than cost containment.” Shaw said.

Roesch Library was previously open 24/7 for student access, becoming a resource for academic success on campus at all times. 

With the increasing knowledge of technology and media, the campus library is beneficial to student success by allowing student access 96.25 hours per week and offering 24/7/365 access to a broad spectrum of electronic resources including journals, e-books, and streaming media through the Libraries’ website. 

When asked whether the decision was a permanent or temporary one, Shaw said, “I would not call the decision permanent; however, a decision to increase hours would need to be supported by demonstrated need.”

Mitchell O’Brien is part of the University Library Committee and has a survey where students may give feedback based on the new library hours. You can find the survey here.