Congress continues to debate legislation that would increase the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 per hour, possibly forcing a reduction of student jobs at the Moffett Library in the process.

There are no students earning $10.10 per hour in the library, one of the largest student employers on campus, and “most are at $7.25,” according to Clara Latham, university librarian. The library has a set budget for student jobs, so an increase in wages would result in fewer total hours available. “I’m sure I’d have to shrink down,” she said.

The smaller workforce would also require the library to prioritize its activities, Latham said.

“It would mean a reduction in services,” Latham said.

However, Latham said she has already begun constructing means to cut costs.

“Maybe two departments would have to share some students,” she said. “We may end up closing media for a while in the evenings.”

Latham said she thought the increase was a good idea despite its impact on how students use the library.

“Unfortunately, what would happen is student fees would go up,” she said. It is mathematically impossible for the current budget to continue while at the same time increasing the cost per hour of labor. “The money has to come from somewhere,” Latham said.

From the perspective of student workers, the proposed increase in pay is welcomed.

“Of course I think it would be a good move,” said Tarina Simon, marketing junior working at the reference desk. The escalation of income would lead to “working fewer hours to focus more on class,” Simon said.

She remains undeterred by the potential for a cut in total student employment.

“It would make the student working field more competitive,” Simon said.