Perpetual Motion: Running a 24/7 Library in a 9 to 5 World

Abstract

The 24/7 availability of information has led to the demand for 24/7 library services. Miami University increased operations of its central facility, King Library, incrementally, until it began 24/7 operations in 2000. Demand for 24/7 access among students remained so strong that the University reinstated 24/7 hours after an attempt to scale back hours during the recent recession. Issues have included identifying essential services, staffing / scheduling, maintaining two-way communication between overnight and weekday staff, obtaining IT Support, responding to security and safety issues, and relations with other entities at the University. Despite these challenges, the availability of overnight hours continues to be valued and used by our student body.