Forming an Opportunity Belief

Every day college students are looking to go to the library to study. On campus there are really only two main libraries and once finals week comes around it gets crazy to the point where you have to reserve a room like a couple days before. The lack of library space causes students to end up studying in their dorms or in their common rooms on the floor of their dorm. This can create a lot of distraction for these kids because then they have to go through the schedule of their roommate too if they are working in their own room. If there was more library space and the hours were extended throughout the whole semester this wouldn't be a problem. This is an unmet need for the students at University of Florida. Personally I like to work in a place that is quiet and I can get easily distracted so more seats or more hours that I can study in a quiet place would be extremely beneficial.

1. First Year Business Student

Have you experienced any problems with the Libraries hours or seating?
"Yes one of the main issues is when I am working late and basically get cut off due to the short hours."

How often does this problem occur?
"Whenever  I go to the library late at night I feel like I always get cut off and during finals week the library is always so packed so I end up having to study in my room."

How are you dealing with this problem?
"Personally I try to get to the library during that day or study when my roommate is in class and I am in the room alone."

Is this solution working?
"I am still getting my work done which is good but I would still prefer better hours."

2. Fifth Year Graduate Student

Being a Grad student have any problems with the Libraries?
"They have designated areas for grad students but the hours are the same and I wish both libraries were 24/7 throughout the whole semester."

When did you start to notice this problem?
"Honestly this year was where it really effected me because it is my toughest year of college and I need to spend as much time I can studying."

How are you getting around this problem?
"I try and study as much as I can during the available hours but once it gets busy I book rooms in advance."

Is this working?
"Booking a room in advance has been substantial but once it get towards finals week I feel like it will become tougher and tougher to get a spot."

3. Third Year Off-Campus Student

Although you live off campus do you still find any problems with the libraries?
"I actually spend all my time studying on campus because I can't focus much at home, but the libraries on campus should add another building designated just for studying and a quiet place since the ones here are extremely busy."

How long ago did you first notice this?
"The past two years is when it hit because living in an off campus house with 4 roommates is tough to study in compared to my dorm my freshman year."

How do you avoid this problem?
"I try and do as much studying at my fraternity's house since we have a study room there."

Is this solution working for you?
"Right now my grades and everything are good so yeah."

Reflection:
Over the course of the day I interviewed students of different ages and qualities to make sure the results are factual. The one main thing that all three of these students agreed on was that the libraries should be opened longer and more space should be available. I learned how this problem exists basically on a daily basis for them and I think I will be more aware of it daily.

Summary:
This opportunity is still something that should be fixed by the University of Florida and these interviews support that. Based on this interviews this solution is stronger than it was prior because of how much it is actually needed. The lack of space to study that the University offers to students must be addressed. Feedback from students like this is extremely important to fix issues like this.