Students should adjust to new library hours accordingly

 

The new hours of operation at Florida A&M’s Coleman Library have become an inconvenience for some students and are causing them to study  elsewhere.

In previous years, the library closed at 2 a.m., Coleman now closes at midnight Sunday through Thursday.

“The library hours are based upon an analysis of library usage, an analysis of feedback given by the students and faculty, and an analysis of the budget,” said Cynthia Hughes-Harris, provost and vice president of academic affairs.

Hughes-Harris said recent budget cuts and limited funding led to the shortened hours.

Although the library is now closing two hours earlier, some students found it difficult to adjust to the schedule change and are studying at Strozier Library at Florida State University.

At the Strozier Library, all public university students have full access to resources such as books, government documents and microform materials, but limited access to computers and the Internet.  There are six computers available for public use with a 30-minute time limit per user. 

FSU allows students to check out an unlimited number of books.

Gabrielle Downer, 22, a graduate history student from Palm Bay, found that the 24-hour FSU library is convenient and has more resources available.  However, Downer thinks FAMU students are not welcome there. 

“FSU students come first. I would rather study here [at Coleman Library] because I feel more comfortable,” Downer said. “One day, the security officer was harassing me because an FSU student needed to use the computer.  It was embarrassing and we shouldn’t have to go through that.”

Anelle Alfred, 22, a graduate business administration student from Trinidad and Tobago, also studies at FSU but feels more comfortable at Coleman Library. 

“I’m comfortable at FAMU; they just need to extend their hours,” Alfred said.

Alfred said it gets crowded when students rush to finish papers and do last minute studying before the library closes at midnight. 

Despite strict policies toward non-FSU students, Alfred said she would rather study at FSU.

“I like their environment to study in.  It’s quiet and less crowded,” Alfred said.

Although some FAMU students said they are not treated with the same respect as FSU students at Strozier, the resources are available 24 hours a day and FAMU students are willing to use them. 

Hughes-Harris understands the hassle the library hours may be causing students, but no one has complained.

“A student’s success depends on planning and organizing.  If you know the library closes at a particular hour, you need to adjust your schedules accordingly,” Hughes-Harris said.