Creating Safe Spaces to Support Student Success: Outcomes of Students-Only Library Hours Pilot Program

Abstract

A public four-year institution based in an urban area launched a pilot program designed to improve safety and offer a better user experience for students. During the fall semester on the busiest nights of the week from 9 p.m. to Midnight Sunday through Thursdays, the main library restricted access to only allow students, faculty, and staff of the university to enter and use the library. Limiting library access to students for 15 of the library's total 99 hours of service each week was well-received and reduced safety issues.