Library could extend late-night hours
Student workers express concerns over extended hours
Kirsten Adams
Issue date: 11/6/08 Section: News
Mossey Library, a sanctuary for late-night study sessions and students looking for a quieter alternative to the Grewcock Student Union, might soon extend its closing time from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Library Director Daniel Knoch said the library staff will take a survey of student interest before it makes its final decision. They have considered letting one of the college's marketing classes run the survey, but have not made any specific plans.
"I was intrigued by Max Nichols' comment in The Collegian that the library closes too early," he said. "We put a lot of stock in student opinions."
Technical Services Librarian Maurine McCourry said several students have also commented that the student union becomes too loud after 1 a.m.
But some student employees voiced dissent.
Jennifer Maggi, a sophomore who works the library's closing shift, said it would be difficult to find students willing to work the extra two hours.
"A lot of students do stay up until 3 a.m. and wouldn't mind working until then, but then again adding two hours to a closing shift is a bad incentive," she said. "1 a.m. is my limit."
If the library were to remain open an extra two hours every night, Knoch said it would be important to provide the same services the library provides during the day: reference librarians, computer help and shelving assistance. While the staff has suggested hiring a paid night staffer expressly for the purpose of extending library hours, Knoch said the administration is hesitant to take that step.
"My contention is, how can we ask students to work past 1 a.m.?" Knoch said. "We could hire a paid staffer for that purpose, but is there truly a need?"
Library Director Daniel Knoch said the library staff will take a survey of student interest before it makes its final decision. They have considered letting one of the college's marketing classes run the survey, but have not made any specific plans.
"I was intrigued by Max Nichols' comment in The Collegian that the library closes too early," he said. "We put a lot of stock in student opinions."
Technical Services Librarian Maurine McCourry said several students have also commented that the student union becomes too loud after 1 a.m.
But some student employees voiced dissent.
Jennifer Maggi, a sophomore who works the library's closing shift, said it would be difficult to find students willing to work the extra two hours.
"A lot of students do stay up until 3 a.m. and wouldn't mind working until then, but then again adding two hours to a closing shift is a bad incentive," she said. "1 a.m. is my limit."
If the library were to remain open an extra two hours every night, Knoch said it would be important to provide the same services the library provides during the day: reference librarians, computer help and shelving assistance. While the staff has suggested hiring a paid night staffer expressly for the purpose of extending library hours, Knoch said the administration is hesitant to take that step.
"My contention is, how can we ask students to work past 1 a.m.?" Knoch said. "We could hire a paid staffer for that purpose, but is there truly a need?"
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