Student workers and library patrons are the latest victims in the recent university budget cuts.

The library was hit with a $343,273 reduction in funds. Of the cut money, $115,000 was meant for students’ salaries. The recent cuts resulted in student assistants losing hours and some looking for work elsewhere.

“When students look elsewhere for work that has a big impact on them staying here and remaining students,” said Dr. Terry Webb, director and dean of the library.

Although there are no layoffs for any of the library staff, there are 37 fewer students working there than during the spring semester.

“We employ more students than any other place on this campus and they are absolutely vital for the library,” Webb said.

Currently 105 student assistants work in the library in various duties, such as the checkout desk, information counters and re-shelving books.

“Students are such an important part of us keeping our doors open,” said Ellen Young an administrative analyst for the library.

Only student assistants and part time staff have had their hours affected by the recent budget cuts, as the full time faculty and staff employed there are protected by labor unions.

The recent budget cuts have caused the library to reduce services such as the express checkout desk, the reserve book room and the mailing of overdue book notices to patrons.

The library will start an automated library checkout at a later date to alleviate long lines.

“The auto-checkout will help absorb the work load,” Webb said. “We don’t plan on getting rid of anyone because circulation is going up.”

The current political climate in the state legislature has some in library administration concerned about the coming school year and the state budget.

“With the new governor we don’t know what to expect,” Webb said. “I think further cuts are coming.”

Even though no one has lost their job, the reduced services have taken a toll on the students using the library.

“The hours being cut are OK, it’s something we learn to deal with,” said student assistant Lana Svetlana, a senior business major. “The ones it’s the worst for are the students. They’re hurt the most.”

Webb said because of the lack of student help, books are not being re-shelved as quickly as before and patrons have to wait longer for information help and for checkout.

The express checkout counter is now only open at the beginning of the day and at the very end. Prior to the budget cuts the counter was open all day.

Students have also noticed the toll in budget reductions to the library.

“I’ve noticed in the music section that no one cleans it up,” said senior Faythe Vollrath a music major. “It’s kind of a pain to go through check out because the lines are longer.”