Mabee Library available 24/7 next week

Students preparing for end of the semester projects and exams can study in the library anytime, day or night.

Mabee Library will remain open 24 hours a day, May 3-8, to give students a safe, convenient place to complete papers and study for exams. During finals week, the library will offer extended hours, but will not be accessible round the clock.

“We moved our 24 hours to the week before finals at the suggestion of WSGA,” said Judy Druse, interim assistant dean of libraries. “They felt the library needed to be open later for students completing assignments and papers and that happens the week before finals.”

During these two weeks, the librarian on duty takes an hourly head count of students in the library. Druse said usage is increasing as more students become aware of the extended hours.

The library will be staffed by volunteers at the reference desk. They include both professional librarians and library assistants who have been trained to answer research questions and help with technology.

“We never have trouble recruiting volunteers from the staff; they are always willing and eager to help out,” said Druse. “We also hire off-duty campus police officers to check IDs at the front door during the late night hours.”

Access to photocopy machines, computers and printers, as well as technology support and research assistance, will be available during the extended hours.