Library Hours in Patterns

Author: Ward Cunningham, ward@c2.com

This material free of Copyright or other restrictions.


I leaned of this technique for setting library hours 
at a math department party [1] many years ago.  It is 
probably universal.


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In this one and only section we offer two patterns for 
adjusting the hours of the campus library.  They are:

	  1. Observe Usage
	  2. Open When Used

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1. Observe Usage

Students don't spend much time in libraries any more.

Therefore: Observe when students enter and leave. Keep
track of what hours are busy and what hours aren't.

You will find that most students leave before closing.
Consider adjusting hours to be Open When Used (2).


2. Open When Used

Your Obsered Usage (1) will show students go home early.

Who wants to keep the library open only when it isn't being
used.  In times of tight budget there is no point staffing
an empty library.

Therefore: Close the library a half hour earlier.  Be sure
to post your new schedule.

        New Library Hours 
	-------------------
	10am - 2pm Weekdays
	1am - 3pm Weekends

Once students adjust to your new schedule you will surely
want to Observe Usage (1) once again.

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References:

[1] Personal Correspondence