The Eagle supports University Librarian William Mayer's plans to increase collaboration among students, staff and faculty and to improve the physical appearance of the building.
Mayer, who replaced Diana Vogelsong in August, hopes to make the library a place where students can feel comfortable, whether they are getting advice, using resources or just looking for some quiet study space. Mayer also considers offering office hours and wants to become friends with AU students.
The library recently switched to a 24-hour schedule, and any student with an inclination and an ID card can now peruse reference books at 4 a.m. Making the library more accessible to the chronic insomniacs and perpetual procrastinators represents a significant improvement, but there is still far to go before the library is fully compatible with AU students' needs.
This year's Princeton Review ranks AU's library No. 13 of 20 schools in the infamous "This is a Library?" poll. The Campus Climate Survey from 2007 only reinforces the Review's ranking, as many students criticized the library's facilities while praising its resources and services.
The library definitely has its perks. Being in the heart of the District, students have access to a whole consortium of books and services from other universities. Yet, a three-day or more wait on critical books doesn't help the student who needs resources immediately.
Even more pressing, the library really just needs more space - space for studying, spaces for paper-writing, space for napping between classes. During rush hours or finals weeks, finding a free chair or a computer plug is almost as challenging as that 20-page research paper.
Despite its drawbacks, the library should be commended for making an effort to hear students' voices. Unlike the many offices that are a little too attached to red tape, the library really does want to be friends with the student body. And, frankly, who doesn't want more friends?
