Interview by: Eihab Shah

Jael Flores at the front desk of Alkek Library

Interviewee: Jael Flores, Junior. Has been working at the Alkek Library front desk for the past three years. Currently lives in San Marcos, hometown is Dallas.

Questions:

1.     The university has a record enrollment of 35,568 students this year. How has this increased enrollment affected you?

"We were busy at the beginning of the semester with general questions and inquiries about both the library and the campus. We get extremely busy for midterms and finals."

2.     Are there enough resources to handle the increase in students?

"Not really, there has been a lack of computers available and textbooks for classes have a wait line because they are checked out."

3.     Has there been an increase in theft/crime inside the library?

"There obviously has been an increase in theft of personal belongings as the number of students has grown. During midterm and finals this increases even more."

4.     Should the university continue to grow?

"Yes. However, although we have enough physical space in the library, we do not have enough resources."

5.     Did the size of the university influence your decision to come here?

"Yes it did. It’s not too big or too small, it is just right."

6.     Why has the library been renovated? What have they changed?

"Of course the library has been renovated to make room for the students. We have removed the shelves on the entry floor and replaced them with tables and chairs. We have also put more whiteboards on the wall, as well as new computers."