The Student Government Association discussed changes to the library’s hours, budget and strategic initiatives Oct. 21.

Library Director Rodney Lippard said the library will now operate from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. to midnight Sunday. 

Lippard said library workers surveyed 250 students, who found overnight hours helpful, but only 160 frequently used them. The library’s budget has been cut by $800,000 over ten years, with personnel costs making up 70% of the regular budget. Strategic initiatives include expanding textbook affordability and creating an institutional repository, which requires additional resources.

“All the digital resources that we have available for 24 hours. If they need help with library work or anything like that, they can use that chat reference or chat service to talk with an actual library assistant, which is available 24/7,” Lippard said.

During the Oct. 14 meeting, the UCAPD proposed increasing parking violation fines to adjust for inflation.

Chief of Staff Amy Whitehead and Chief of Police John Merguie proposed a 50% increase in parking fines to adjust for inflation.

“I know that seems a lot, but the last time we increased finance was well over 20 years ago, and the inflation rate has been 70 over 70% since that time,” Merguie said. 

Merguie said the original proposal called for a 70% increase, but UCA President Houston Davis recommended a lower 50% increase.

UCAPD does not receive money from fines but instead goes to the general fund for UCA.

“I would rather our officers be out watching for stop signs, traffic violations, and parking lots so that your vehicles are not broken into,” Merguie said. “But we get complaints, so we have to circle back around and do more parking enforcement.” 

Merguie said these fine increases are not meant to punish students but to encourage them to follow the rules.