Apart from faculty and course offerings, there is no single aspect of a university more important for the education and success of its students than a library. Until now, the opportunity of GW students for that educational success has been greatly bolstered by Gelman Library's 24/7 availability during the Fall and Spring terms. It's difficult to understate just what a Library provides for the students that rely on it - 24/7 access to Gelman Library provided 24/7 access to print and online resources, computers with valuable software, printers, scanners, copiers, and - most importantly - a reliably comfortable workspace uniquely conducive to effective work.

In addition, 24/7 access to Gelman Library provided students with a flexibility in scheduling the importance of which was enormous to the busy students of GW. One great strength of this school is the engagement of its students in the DC community - many students hold internships, jobs, and volunteer positions throughout the city. Such students often rely on the long weekend hours of Gelman Library in order to complete their schoolwork. Many other students have difficulty meeting the high cost of tuition and housing at GW, and rely on part-time work to finance their education while struggling with the high cost of living in D.C. These students, too, rely on the long weekday and weekend hours of Gelman Library to meet their academic and extracurricular obligations.

In short, 24/7 access to Gelman Library is one of the unique strengths of GW, and is necessary to meet the unique needs of GW students. Access to the resources and flexibility afforded by Gelman Library's 24/7 hours is invaluable to much of the student body, and maintaining that invaluable resource ought to be a priority of the University. 

By signing this petition, the students of GW are demonstrating their commitment to their own success in coursework, independent research, and their careers. For students, this success stands as a priority above all else. In cutting Gelman Library's 24/7 hours, the University has demonstrated their disregard for that success - the success of their own students.

Restore Gelman Library to 24/7 Access. Demonstrate GW's commitment to its students.