BU library makes changes in response to student requests

By: Jennifer Perry

Posted: 12/5/07

By Jennifer Perry

In response to student concerns and feedback from a student survey last year, the Bellarmine library is implementing some new policies.

Dr. John Stemmer, Director of the Library, said there have been complaints about noisy cell phone usage. Currently, students are not supposed to use cell phones in the library. However, Dr. Stemmer said, "We want to change the policy so it's not a blanket no." Now, students will be encouraged to use their phones in areas where they will not disturb others. For example, students can talk in empty study rooms, stairwells, or near one of the public phones.

The food and drink policy is also changing. Presently, food and drinks are not allowed in the library. Dr. Stemmer said this is a "much more contentious policy than the cell phone policy." Students will now be allowed to bring in snack food and drinks with lids.

Library hours for the week before finals have been expanded. It will be open until 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday. "We'll see how it works, and see how much demand there is for the space," said Dr. Stemmer; using this year as a trial run. During finals week, the library will be open the regular finals hours (until 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday) and Sodexho will provide coffee.

Two study carrels, each accommodating four students, have replaced two tables on the second floor. There is a challenge to "create an environment for students to learn effectively individually and in groups - it is a balancing act," said Dr. Stemmer. The study carrels are an attempt to provide more space for individuals while potentially leaving the study rooms open for groups. Some groups of students have mentioned that they sometimes find one person in the group study rooms and therefore cannot use them. Stemmer hopes to create a policy about study rooms soon.

Students should also feel free to drop a comment into the suggestion box on the circulation desk.