February 22, 2017
Want more hours in Hale? Let K-State Libraries know
Submitted by Sarah McGreer Hoyt
Do you have an opinion on the reduction K-State Libraries' hours? Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. Participation is anonymous and voluntary.
K-State Libraries is exploring the possibility of a small fee — approximately $3 per semester — to restore Hale Library's extended schedule.
For a decade, 2006-2016, Hale Library was available "24/5": When school was in session during the fall and spring semesters, the building opened Sunday at 1 p.m. and remained open through 8 p.m. on Friday. Saturday hours were 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
In fall 2016, another round of budget callbacks forced K-State Libraries to make the difficult decision to reduce building hours. Hale Library went from being open for 132 hours each week to 94.5 hours per week, a reduction of 37.5 hours each week, or more than 25 percent. The new schedule is available online.
The reduction in Hale Library's hours saves $120,000 annually, largely through savings in security and custodial costs. These cuts followed the Libraries' other cost-saving efforts, including cuts to collections and hiring freezes.