Library Now Open 24 Hours a Day, Five Days a Week

Diane Sperko | 03/29/2011

Supporting student success and responding to requests for extended hours, the Kent State University Library is now open 24 hours, five days a week. James Bracken, dean of University Libraries at Kent State, said many students begin studying at 11 p.m. or later, and the university wants students to be able to “study when they want to study†by giving them a space where they can come to 24 hours a day, five days a week during the academic semesters.

“With the digital revolution, library use was expected to decline, but the opposite is true,†Bracken said. “Students are pushing for libraries to be open all the time. They want to know that they have a place to go that is safe, comfortable and has resources available, as well as human interaction. Kent State’s University Libraries welcomes students into the Library to pursue their research, use the computers and study individually or in groups in an open and friendly environment.â€

Beginning March 27, coinciding with the end of spring break, the Library now opens at noon on Sundays and closes at 10 p.m. on Fridays. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. The 24/5 schedule ends on Friday, May 6. The Library will begin 2011 Summer Intersession and 2011 Summer Semester hours on May 7. Those hours will be posted on University Libraries’ website later in the semester at www.library.kent.edu/locations_and_hours.php.

Circulation desk services are available during the 24/5 schedule, but no cash-based transactions will be provided after 11 p.m.

To ensure the safety of all, access to the Library is limited to current Kent State students, faculty and staff beginning at 11 p.m. Users are required to present their Flash ID to a security aide to gain entry. Security escort service is available for those leaving the building after dark and before sunrise.

For more information on the new schedule for Kent State’s Library, please contact Diane Sperko, communications officer for University Libraries, at dsperko@kent.edu.

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