UGLi to open all hours for finals

By Whitney Elliott

Daily Staff Reporter

University officials plan to have the Shapiro Undergraduate Library open around the clock during the final exam period, allowing greater flexibility for students.

University Library Director William Gosling said the idea to expand the library's hours during exam time was "based on a request we received from LSA (student government) representatives," Gosling said. "They have expressed the need for sustaining study hours for those who would be studying all night," Gosling said.

Currently, the library's hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m., but from Dec. 14 to Dec. 21, with the exception of Dec. 15 and 16, the library will be open 24 hours.

LSA freshman Meredith Sparks said she plans to take advantage of the extended hours during finals.

"It's a lot easier to study (at the library) than at my home. It will be really nice to come and know it will be quiet and open," Sparks said.

In late October this year LSA-SG President BJ Orandi, an LSA senior, and LSA-SG vice president Erin Reese, a junior, presented the idea to Gosling.

"During finals time people keep weird hours and hopefully these hours will help the students with their studying," Orandi said.

The cost of keeping the library open and has not yet been determined. The extended hours plan is a pilot program for this semester only and library officials plan to use the trial to estimate the cost of keeping the library open, the amount of staff needed and the number of students who will take advantage of the extended hours.

"Initially we were concerned with staffing and safety but we came to a mutual agreement that will benefit the student body," Orandi said.

Gosling said if the demand exists, the library will consider making the extra hours a permanent feature of exam week.

"If a fair number of students respond, we are prepared to find the funding to continue the extended hours for future final exam weeks," Gosling said.

Orandi said that he expects students will take advantage of the UGLi's 24 hour schedule during exam week.

"I think there are enough students who would stay during finals to warrant keeping the library open," Orandi said.

LSA sophomore Tiffany Means said she believes in the importance of group work and sees the all-hours plan as more opportunity for students to meet with each other during finals.

"It's always better to study in groups and the library is a great place where that can be done. The extended hours will be very beneficial during finals week," Means said.

When Orandi ran for president last year, extended library hours were part of his platform. He said seeing his goal become reality is exciting.

"I'm really pleased with this plan. This is a great partnership between students and the University and they've been really receptive to students needs on the issue," Orandi said.