Hours update for the Edmon Low Library

November 1, 2023

24/7 access begins for pre-finals and finals; 2 a.m. closing returns for spring

The Edmon Low Library has offered a range of operating hours over the years. Post-pandemic, changes in Library use and in employee needs and expectations shifted, and the hours of operation were adjusted to accommodate both.

Fall 2023 midnight closing

In fall 2023, the Edmon Low Library tested a midnight closing time on Sunday-Thursday. The decision to return to a midnight closing was largely based on two important factors, the most important being concern for the health and well-being of our employees.

The primary reason for the change was the negative impact reported by our students working overnight shifts. While these shifts carried a pay bonus and were requested by some, after a few weeks many overnight employees requested shift changes or resigned from their position entirely, citing mental and physical stress from the sleep disruption.

This issue intensified the overall challenge of adequately staffing the overnight shift. On numerous occasions the Library was forced to close the only overnight service point due to low staffing. A few times the building had to be closed completely due to inadequate staffing.

These factors coupled with very low use in the overnight hours drove the decision to change the Edmon Low Library’s operating hours.

Spring 2024 2 a.m. closing

The health and safety of our employees and patrons is our top concern. While we no longer feel we can best serve this priority while offering 24/5 operation hours, we received feedback from students requesting a later closing time.

Beginning in spring 2024, the Library will shift to a 2 a.m. closing time for Sundays through Thursdays. It is our hope that a 2 a.m. closing is a meaningful compromise that addresses patrons’ desire for late night building access while still prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees.

24/7 Pre-finals and finals week access

The Edmon Low Library continues to offer 24/7 building access during Pre-Finals and Finals Weeks. This popular service has been offered for nearly 20 years and has become a Library tradition.

For the latest information on Library hours visit https://library.okstate.edu/about/hours.

URL: https://library.okstate.edu/news/archived-news/fall-2023/hours-update-for-the-edmon-low-library/

Last Updated: 16 November 2023