At the start of this semester, the library reduced its operating hours and closed on Saturdays. 

The library used to be the hub for students to study late at night. Many students used to study in the library until closing time. Several students and SGA raised these concerns to ULM administration, and they have finally made the decision to change the hours at the library. 

The library will now be open until midnight Monday-Thursday. This is a great decision for all students on campus because they will be able to study longer and have a secure place to turn in assignments. 

Almost all assignments are due by midnight. Many students do their projects in the library because the environment is peaceful and they can do their tasks properly without any disturbance. 

According to Brainscape, a quiet environment allows people to focus and recall information better. 

Although these changes were made regarding students and staff health during the pandemic, there are other ways to make the library a safe place to study. 

Taking health precautions and installing screening devices would have been a better option than reducing library hours. 

As long as everyone practice social distancing and gets tested when they are exposed or show symptoms then keeping the library open late should not affect COVID numbers. People go during the day. groups of students staying late are not a threat to anyone. 

This is the best move for the university. Many students value that extra time to study and have the ability to stay in the library until assignments are due. COVID is a fear for everyone. But with the mask mandate still in place on campus, ULM is doing everything they can to keep staff and students safe. 

I am glad they chose to prioritize students in this matter and allow us to continue to stay at the library longer. Students can return to the way things were last semester when study groups would stay out late and feel safe that they can study for as long as their brains can handle.