Round-the-clock reading, writing, and 'rithmetic
Every day, around 4 p.m., Webster library director Guylaine Beaudry takes a tour through the stacks, taking the time to meet with and watch her prime constituency: students.
This is library rush hour.
Not only is every table in use, Beaudry sometimes finds students clustered on chairs in hallways, trying to carve out a bit of space to study or discuss a project. “Many of my colleagues at other universities tell me they are trying to find ways to attract students to the library; here, they really want to visit,” Beaudry says with obvious pride.
A student-led initiative made Concordia the first Quebec university with a library open around the clock, 24/7 almost year-round. Undergraduate students voted in November 2009 to contribute $1 per credit to a library fund. That funding allows for all-hours access, the purchase of dozens more laptops for students in both libraries, and the improvement of library facilities, such as the replacement of worn-out carpeting throughout Webster over the summer.
It also provides resources for the libraries to purchase a copy of all required textbooks and coursepacks. As of January 2011, students will find course texts arranged by course number in a single room where they can check out the material for three-hour blocks.
While all of these projects are valuable, the 24/7 access has been successful beyond anyone’s expectations. During the month of April 2010, there were more than 19 682 turnstile clicks registered between midnight and 8 a.m., and during the exam period, nearly 757 each night.
Webster is the only Quebec library granting access to the collections, computer terminals and resources of the library any time of the day or night throughout the term. A few university libraries in Ontario stay open, and some Quebec libraries are available to graduate students or researchers with keys, but anyone with a Concordia ID card can access basic Webster services. Although the circulation desk closes at 10 p.m., there is an automated checkout system available at all hours.
Previously, Webster shut down from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m., except for three-week exam periods at the end of each term. The expanded hours are so successful, a pilot trial will be instituted this term at the Loyola Campus Vanier library.
“It reflects the university’s commitment to accessibility and accommodating all students by offering flexibility in the services offered,” says Beaudry. She adds that recent studies in the U.S. indicate that the majority of term papers are written by student between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Although security cameras and regular rounds of the library’s three floors were always necessary, there is now an agent stationed full-time at the entrance to verify identification. In addition, the wear and tear has required the services of a full-time concierge (see related story).
Beaudry is happy to report that the increased access to the library has not resulted in any security problems or incidents overnight. “We’ve taken all appropriate measures to ensure the safety of our users,” she says.