The University of Seoul announced that, from Sept. 1, the mandatory seat return policy would be enforced for all seats in the Central Library. The purpose of such a policy is to ensure the fair and effective use of the library because the available seats were reduced as a result of COVID-19. The change is as follows:
■ Date: From Sept. 1, 2020
■ Subject: All reservable seats of the Central Library
■ Rules of the mandatory return policy:
- you do not return your seats, you will receive a caution. After three cautions, you will be penalized by being prohibited from occupying seats for the next 10 days.
- do not have to return your seat at 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and at 4:00 p.m. during weekends as the library closes at 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., respectively.
- you go out for more than 90 minutes, your seat is automatically returned. This is considered one caution.
- the time expires before you return the seat, it is also considered one caution.
The policy is expected to ensure the smooth circulation of seats in the library by specifying the hours of use of seats and ensuring they are returned within that time. Students have reacted in various ways to this policy. Here is an interview with a student who uses the Central Library 9–10 hours a week.
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< Interview > 1. Have you experienced any inconveniences while using the library (in relation to the use of seats)? Currently, there are many restrictions due to COVID-19, so there seem to be a lot of inconveniences. I did not feel strongly about the seat, but the most inconvenient factors on the 1st and 2nd floors are the prohibition of use and of bringing in drinks. 2. Did you know that the mandatory seat return policy was recently introduced in the Central Library? Yes, I am aware that the new policy was recently introduced. 3. If you are aware, can you tell me what has changed since the new system was introduced? Sometimes it was difficult to find a seat because some vacant seats were not returned. For this reason, I do believe that the new system will bring more efficiency to the library as it encourages the smooth circulation of library seats. |
In the face of a sudden pandemic, the library reduced operations, especially by restricting the use of seats in some areas. The new policy requires fair and rapid distribution of seats for those desperately in need of a seat to study in the library.
Meanwhile, as social distancing has been downgraded to the first level, the library's operation hours have been revised as follows: from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.