Watzek Library hours for the 2025-26 academic year

For many years, Watzek Library has taken pride in being a round-the-clock resource for Lewis & Clark students. After a process that involved careful review of library usage patterns, consideration of alternative study spaces, and a recognition of current library staff capacity, the library is discontinuing its overnight hours beginning fall 2025.

The library will continue to provide extensive access to the Lewis & Clark community, remaining open until midnight on weeknights and offering 24-hour access during reading days and finals week.

Below are the revised library hours that will commence with the fall 2025 semester.

Watzek hours remain unchanged for the remainder of spring semester, 2025.

Please see the questions and answers below for further information and context.

Mark Dahl
Director, Watzek Library

Why is Watzek Library changing its hours?

The decision to discontinue the midnight to 8 a.m. hours is based on several factors:

1. Low Usage: Our data from fall 2024 shows that library attendance during these late-night hours is quite low, averaging around 9 students, with fluctuations between 2 and 22 users at various times. Circulation data indicates that even fewer students are using course reserves or borrowing books during these hours.
2. Staffing Changes: In order to provide quality service when it is most needed, we are reassigning our current night time staff member to different hours and responsibilities.
3. Alternative Study Spaces: We believe that there are alternative late-night and early-morning study options available on campus. Notably, Fowler Student Center is accessible via card reader from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and has a printer available for use.

Where can I study when the library is closed?

Fowler Student Center is accessible 24/7 with a Lewis & Clark ID. Students may use the small meeting rooms, Miller Lounge, Hu Media Lounge, and the Trail Room to study. Students who live on campus also have access to lounge spaces in their residence halls. While we recognize that these are often social spaces, they are reportedly quiet and conducive to study after midnight.

How can I print when the library is closed?

A black and white printer is available on the lower level of Fowler Student Center just down the hall from the Student Engagement desk.

What if I need to use a computer?

Laptops are available for checkout at the library service desk. They come with the complete Adobe Creative Suite and can be checked out for three days at a time. Chromebooks are also available for loan from the IT Service Desk.

How can I access print course reserves when the library is closed?

Reserve items may be checked out before closing and kept until 8:00 a.m. the next day. The library will continue to provide access to electronic versions of textbooks whenever possible.

Can the library stay open until 1:00 or 2:00 a.m.?

Given that our usage data indicate that use of the library rarely exceeds 25 users after midnight, we believe that other study spaces are large and varied enough to fulfill student study needs after midnight. Furthermore, providing staff who can assure safety and security in the building after midnight is problematic. The library will be open 24 hours/day during reading days and finals week.

I commute to campus and have a class that starts at 8:00 a.m. Where can I wait beforehand?

Academic buildings on the CAS campus open at 7:00 a.m. Howard and Miller both have lounge areas where you are welcome to wait. In addition, the ground level lobby area of Watzek will be open beginning at 7:00 a.m. You are welcome to use the small student lounge and IT Resource Lab before the library opens at 8:00.

What was the process of making this decision?

In coordination with the library’s management team and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Watzek Library director developed a plan to revise library hours. This plan was shaped by an assessment of late-night library use, available staffing at Watzek, and the presence of alternative study spaces on campus. To better understand student perspectives, the library conducted a survey in fall 2024 and held meetings with the Associated Student Body (ASB) Senate and Cabinet. Both the survey and student meetings highlighted concerns about losing access to library spaces, collections, and technology between midnight and 8 a.m. These concerns have been addressed as thoroughly as possible in the sections above. With the Dean’s approval, the Watzek Library director finalized the decision to implement the revised hours in March 2024.

Please feel free to contact watzek@lclark.edu with any additional questions.