Why library hours are reduced

Comment: Closing the library 1 hour early is very inconvenient for me as a student. The Student Union Building already closes early so the library was my best option to study late. Now I am forced to move to the West Mall Center which has none of the resources that are provided at the library. 

Reply: Library hours at all locations were reduced in January 2024 for two reasons:

1. A temporary staffing shortage caused by the SFU-wide hiring freeze meant we did not have people available in time to maintain full hours for the first several weeks of the year. 
2. Like many other units across campus, the library is dealing with a substantial budget cut. As most of our operating expenses go to salaries, we must reduce salary costs to address this budget cut, and that means reducing hours. 

In mid-February we are adding hours to the schedule at both Fraser and Belzberg Libraries, including weekend hours. We’ve heard from students to restore the 11:45pm closing time at Bennett Library. In response to this, we are looking into options for some extended study hall hours around exam time. If this proves feasible, more news will follow later in the term. 

In all cases, we’re considering past patterns of use and input from frontline staff to make necessary reductions at times that will have the least possible impact on students and other library users. It’s important to hear directly from students like yourself as well. Thank you for your understanding while we work through the current budget situation.

Gwen Bird,
University Librarian & Dean of Libraries