Story by Mikayla Marshall, Staff writer
Students looking to study beyond normal Waterfield Library hours for finals can do so beginning Dec. 1, when the library’s extended hours start.
Waterfield Library will offer extended hours for Dec. 1 through Dec. 11. The library will be open 24/7 on weekdays and operate on a 10 to 10 schedule beginning Friday night and ending Sunday night.
The total amount of hours open were revised and staff decided to close the library on weekends more than the weekdays. The amount of people per extended hour is calculated by the library staff, so they know when to remain open during certain times.
“We found that on the Friday night between the week before finals and the week of finals, that the money we were spending to keep the facility open was probably not benefiting that many students,” said Ashley Ireland, dean of University Libraries, “Compared to the peak nights, which are the Wednesday and Thursday nights before finals and the Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights the week of finals.”
The hours cost the library about $2,000, but allows for a safe space for students to study.
It costs the facility around $2,000 a semester to offer these hours. This covers the extra pay for workers and accommodations the library offers. They also have additional security, such as Racer Patrol, at the library during these hours.
“We offer a safe space for students to spend a lot of time with their coursework,” Ireland said. “They have good lighting, seating and access to technology.”
The extended hours will only be in place for week before and of finals, which most students agree is the necessary time for the hours.
“It gives people an opportunity to study whenever they need to,” said Allison Fowle, senior from Louisville, Kentucky. “I know some people who enjoy studying in the middle of the night.”
However, some students see this as promoting bad sleeping and study habits.
“I feel like it gives students an excuse to procrastinate and wait until the last minute to study,” said Claire Gohmann, sophomore from Louisville, Kentucky. “I know I personally will not be taking advantage of the extended hours.”
Some have suggested Waterfield should offer these hours throughout the entire semester. McKenna Wilkey, junior from Calvert City, Kentucky, said the extended hours will benefit the student body, because it is easier to focus in the library.
“I would not mind it being offered all semester, but I do not know how reasonable that would be for the university,” he said.
Pogue Library will have extended hours as well, opening at 8:00 a.m. and closing at 10:00 p.m. Dec. 7, 8 and 9.