But library staff remained skeptical. Almost a dozen library workers interviewed said they did not believe the official University explanation, exhibiting a distrust in the University’s intentions.

Faculty have expressed similar exasperation about the University’s lack of open communication and reluctance to involve the faculty in decision-making.

“I’m a little concerned about the force of faculty involvement,” says music professor Thomas F. Kelly. “I’m not sure the faculty has the force to put the spoke in anybody’s wheel.”

Though Staehli says he has concerns, he believes it is not too late for the University to mend its relationship with faculty and staff and avoid communication missteps going forward.

“I’m confident because I’m an optimist,” Staehli says. “We’re at Harvard. We can achieve a lot. As long as [the administration] sees the needs, they’ll help us achieve such things.”

—Staff writer Hana N. Rouse can be reached at hrouse@college.harvard.edu. —Staff writer Justin C. Worland can be reached at jworland@college.harvard.edu.