Murray State University is considering a resolution from the Student Government Association to extend library operating hours to a 24/7 schedule.
On April 8, SGA voted unanimously to pass Resolution 90-26-R2 which would implement 24/7 operating hours for University libraries with a card ID system to ensure safe access for students during non-operational hours. Currently, the resolution is waiting for a decision from University administration on whether it will be implemented. According to the Dean of Libraries Cris Ferguson, the University is still working to understand the needs behind the request and how the University could best meet them.
“We appreciate the Student Government Association bringing this forward and highlighting student needs,” Ferguson said. “It’s clear that access to study space is important, particularly during high-demand times in the semester. This resolution surfaces valuable feedback that can inform how we continue to support students.”
Ferguson said an extension to library operations would require careful consideration for staffing, safety and building operation. The library is working to ensure staff and students are supported through the potential change.
Ferguson said she has been in contact with SGA regarding the resolution and the needs that informed it. So far, she said these talks have been constructive and helped administration learn more about how students are using the library and what challenges they face.
“The University Libraries are always looking for ways to better support student success, and input from the student body is an important part of that process,” Ferguson said. “While there are constraints to consider, we remain committed to exploring practical ways to enhance access and make the library as supportive and responsive a space as possible.”
Levi Lucas, a junior political science major and former SGA chief of staff, worked with the executive council to write the resolution. He said the measure would benefit many students and get the University on track with other institutions in the state.
“A lot of students, especially during finals week, feel like the library is not accessible enough,” Lucas said. “There’s other universities that have taken similar measures, like (The University of Kentucky), for example, to ensure 24 hour access, even staff access to the library. We thought it would be a good idea to encourage (the) University to take steps towards increasing the accessibility.”
Lucas said the library has everything students need to study, from a quiet floor to computers and food. He said although this resolution is a good idea, the decision to accept it was up to the University.
“Obviously, it’s just a resolution, so all we can really do is encourage the University to take action, but it’s really up to the administration and the library itself to make a decision,” Lucas said.
Renne Coppock (they/them), a junior conservation biologist major, said the idea of the library staying open 24/7 was nice, but they are concerned how this would work for the library’s employees.
“It would be cool to have my only concern was staffing limitations,” Coppock said. “That seems like that would be really difficult, especially since the library is mostly staffed by student workers, having to have people here all throughout the evening, all throughout weekends, I feel like will become really difficult.”
Coppock said they enjoy the different spaces the library offers and have stayed until closing many times throughout their time here. While they said they wished the library would stay open sometimes so they could finish their work, Coppock said the closure sometimes helps them take a break from their studies before they exhaust themselves.
