Spring Hill College Students have arrived back on campus, but to their surprise, many on-campus facilities are experiencing a drastic change in hours of operations. The early closing hours of Burke Memorial Library, however, is affecting students everyday lives the most. 

Since returning to The Hill, students have become aware of the modifications to the operational hours for many on-campus hot spots. McKinney's Pub, a favorite for a quick bite for several students, is now only open Monday-Sunday from 6 PM - 12 AM. In previous years, McKinney's opened its doors starting at noon. Senior Student Government Association cabinet member, Allie Irving, says "due to less foot traffic, Einstein Bros. Bagels has also seen a change in their hours. They now close at 3 PM and previously stayed open until 5:30 PM in past years." 

The most significant chatter around campus concerning the issue of operational hour changes is in regards to the Burke Memorial Library. The hours went from 7:30 AM -12 AM Monday - Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5 PM Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM Saturday and 2 PM -12 PM Sunday last semester to 7:30 AM - 9 PM Monday - Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5 PM Friday, 10 AM - 4 PM Saturday and 1 PM - 9 PM Sunday. The notable time changes being at closing hours. Gentry Holbert, Director of the Library & Instructional Resource Services, says, "If it was up to me we would be open 24 hours, but we don't have the security for that." Holbert goes on to say, "the main reason we are open fewer hours is that we don't have the staff, we have three fewer circulation positions then we had last year."

With an evident change in closing times, the students of Spring Hill are experiencing difficulties. SHC junior, Mary Roane shared her thoughts saying "there have been times where I am at the library upon closing time, and I have to stop what I am doing to find a new quiet location, which can be difficult. Having the library close this early has definitely put a strain on my studying." 

In one way or another, the Burke Memorial Library hour change has affected students. Whether it is having to move locations after closing or just simply not being able to use their amenities, this change is not benefiting students. From the closing hours of the library to the opening hours of McKinny's, students have had to deal with an unwanted change in their daily activities.