The exterior of the Central Library, which is a favored study location during exams

The reading room on the first floor of the Annex Library has been closed for student use due to the relocation of laboratories as part of the Hi-Tech Hall’s reconstruction project.

The Annex Library previously offered a total of 908 study seats, but with the closure of the first-floor reading room, approximately 348 seats have been lost. This reduction has sparked concerns among students, particularly during exam season when study spaces are already in high demand. Many students have expressed frustration, stating that it was already difficult to find available seats, and the decreased capacity has only worsened the situation.

In response, the university extended the closing time of the Central Library during the exam period, from 9AM to 11PM. Available study spaces in the library include the lobbies on each f loor, the second-floor book café, the third-floor multimedia room, and the periodicals section. These areas have provided an extra 450 seats for students. In addition, the Playground area on the first floor of Sangsang Hall has been converted from a rest area into a study space, securing additional study areas for students.

To assess whether these measures have been effective in addressing students’ needs, a survey was conducted among SeoulTech students.

A total of 50 students participated in the survey. When asked whether there is a lack of study space on campus, 44 out of 50 respondents answered “yes,” indicating that many students are concerned about insufficient study areas.

Almost all respondents stated that they used the library on campus during the last exam season, with only one student reporting that they did not. This highlights the library as a favored study location during exams.

Complaints of Using the Library

However, students reported difficulties while using the library, with many identifying the lack of available study spots as the most significant issue that needs to be addressed. Similarly, the limited library hours made it difficult for many students to study. Other feedback included that the air conditioning and heating were inadequate, especially in Hullabaloo (와글와글), which is located on the second floor of the Annex Library. Another complaint was about the seat reservation system in the Annex Library lounge, laptop room, and group study room. Some students said they didn’t know how to use the app required for making reservations, and others expressed displeasure with people occupying seats that they had already reserved.

Improvements Expected from SeoulTech

When asked if they found the library’s extended hours during the last midterms helpful, about 26 students said it was not beneficial, while the rest said it was. “The problem is not as simple as that. The library hours need to be extended, as the Hi-Tech Hall’s reconstruction will not be done so soon. In terms of exam seasons, the 24-hour opening of the central library must be considered as well,” responded one student

When asked what improvements they would like the university to make, students mentioned the following in order of priority: more study space, extended library hours, additional seats in the reading room, and a survey system to gather students’ opinions. “Just extending the hours of the central library is not enough,” complained one student. “There aren’t as many study spaces in the Central Library as people might think. All SeoulTech students are aware that a new library is under construction. However, building a laboratory that is only used by certain departments doesn’t seem necessary, and failing to address the current problem of study spaces before the new library is completed seems irresponsible.”

Looking ahead to future exam periods, students are hopeful that similar considerations will be made to ensure a more comfortable study environment. “Some buildings on the campus like Eoui Hall and Sangsang Hall have a self-study space on the first floor. However, other buildings, such as Changhak Hall, Dasan Hall, and Chungun Hall, lack a spot for studying. It would be great if each major building had extended hours during exam periods, or if the classrooms were opened for students to study.”

The survey results indicate that SeoulTech’s current measures, such as extending library hours and opening alternative spaces, have only partially addressed students’ concerns. Of the 50 students surveyed, 44 reported that study spaces on campus remain insufficient, and a similar number experienced inconvenience while using the library, primarily due to seat shortages. Although 25 students found the extended hours helpful, 22 felt they were ineffective, emphasizing that more comprehensive and lasting solutions, such as expansion of study spaces in buildings currently lacking them, 24-hour access to classrooms, and implementation of a student feedback system, are needed to meet student demand, especially during exam periods.

Upcoming Steps

During the upcoming final exam period, the Central Library will extend its operating hours until 11PM for two weeks, As with the midterm exam period. Despite continued student feedback, no additional measures or changes have been implemented. Students have voiced concerns that merely extending the hours of existing study spaces may not be sufficient to meet growing demand. It underscores the urgent need for more accessible and well-managed study environments across campus. As the new library and Hi-Tech Hall renovations progress, students hope for more immediate and inclusive solutions, such as opening classrooms and underutilized areas for study use, to bridge the gap in the meantime. A more responsive approach, including regular feedback channels and transparent communication, will be essential to ensure that academic needs are effectively met during this transitional period.

SeoulTech also stated that the new library building is scheduled to be completed in a year and a half, which will significantly expand the availability of study spaces. Furthermore, in approximately two years when the reconstruction of the Hi-Tech Hall is finished, the first floor of the Annex Library is expected to be restored and reopened as a dedicated study area.

Reporters

Somin Hong

hongsomin@seoultech.ac.kr

Hyewon Kim

happyhw2@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 홍소민

• 직책 :
• e-mail : hongsomin@seoultech.ac.kr

김혜원 기자

• 직책 :
• e-mail : happyhw2@seoultech.ac.kr