The Dr. John Archer Library and Archives is an oasis of cozy corners, public computers and screens, private study rooms, and friendly, helpful staff … and lots and lots of students. Now, finding the perfect study spot is easier than ever.
Students and other visitors can visit the Library’s website or download the free Waitz mobile app to quickly scan occupancy levels on every floor. Access to occupancy data helps students save time walking around and waiting (and waiting) for the elevator in the search for a seat.
I prefer to sit on the third floor which tends to get busy. Checking Waitz can save me from walking around looking for a spot. If I see the third floor is busy, I head straight up to the fifth floor and get to work. — Ann Akotey, first-year Biology student
“We’ve had feedback from some students that hopping on and off the elevator and looking for a place to study can be frustrating. With Waitz, they can view occupancy levels on their phones before they even leave their car or classroom. They can also check the Library website or scan the QR code on the kiosk as they walk into the Library. Our goal is to help students make the most of precious study hours,” offers Brett Waytuck, Dean University Libraries and Archives.
The user-friendly interface shows “very busy”, “busy”, and “not busy” rates of occupancy per floor, as well as expected peak hours. Occupancy data is calculated with 90 per cent accuracy.
Ann Akotey, a first-year Biology student from Ghana, studies in the Library at least four times a week.
“I prefer to sit on the third floor which tends to get busy. Checking Waitz can save me from walking around looking for a spot. If I see the third floor is busy, I head straight up to the fifth floor and get to work.”
The app uses custom sensors plugged into outlets that detect Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals in the area to determine numbers. No personal data is ever processed or stored.
Extended hours and free parking
It’s definitely more challenging to find a spot in the Library during the busy time leading up to final exams. To help students, the Library stays open later so students can hit their books and laptops for as long as they need. From Monday, April 15 to Sunday, April 28, the upper floors (3, 4, 5, and 6) are accessible until 11 p.m. and the main floor remains open until 2:00 a.m.
The University also offers parking in any M, Z, or public area after 5 p.m. at no cost. Those using accessible parking must be sure that the appropriate permit is clearly displayed. Although there is no cost after 5 p.m., time zones in lots and public areas are still enforced and may result in a ticket being issued. For example, you can’t park in a marked 30-minute parking zone for longer than 30 minutes. After 5 p.m., it’s also recommended that you park in Lots 14 and 15.
Access will remain open to the Ad/Hum and La Cité buildings after 11 p.m. for students utilizing nearby parking or returning to residences. Students will also be able to move from the Library through the Classroom and Lab hallways up to the Protective Services (formerly Campus Security) office in order to access parking on that side of campus.
Best of luck on your finals!
Questions? Archer Library welcomes feedback and inquiries. Contact the library today.
Download the Waitz app today (available for both Android and iOS devices) or visit the Library’s website and click on Current Library Occupancy.
About the University of Regina
2024 marks our 50th anniversary as an independent University (although our roots as Regina College date back more than a century!). As we celebrate our past, we work towards a future that is as limitless as the prairie horizon. We support the health and well-being of our 16,700 students and provide them with hands-on learning opportunities to develop career-ready graduates. Our research enterprise has grown to include 21 research centres and 12 Canada Research Chairs and brings in more than $51.2 million in funding annually. Our campuses are on Treaties 4 and 6 - the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda peoples, and the homeland of the Michif/Métis nation. We seek to grow our relationships with Indigenous communities to build a more inclusive future.
Let’s go far, together.