Three weeks after restoring W.T. Young Library’s hours back to a 24/5 operating schedule, it looks like the library administration and critics of the change may be correct for their original position on closing the library.

After threats of a sit-in, several forums and students voicing their disapproval with the change, the library’s gates only counted a marginal increase in traffic. By marginal, that is five. Not percent. Five people.

According to a Kernel article last week, gate counts tallied only 75 students between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. This was an increase of five people from last year. The traffic between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. was no better, as it increased by only one person from last year.

Perhaps the method of measuring student traffic based on the number of students entering the library between the hours of 2 and 4 a.m. is flawed. Students can go in and “spend the night” at the libraries or simply go to the library between before 2 a.m. and after 5 a.m. to take advantage of the hours being stretched. Maybe students were so enthralled with the hours that they have decided to spend the night.

If students want their voice to be continuously appreciated, it must be followed by action. Student Government and the provost allotted a total of $30,000 to make the library accessible during the late-night hours. And there shouldn’t even be any speculation as to students’ use of the library.

It is true that some students do not have the ability to go to the library for an extended period of time during traditional operating hours, hence the late night hours. But students shouldn’t complain if they don’t need the extra hours. It sets a bad precedent for future student issues.