Renne Library extended its closing time Sunday through Thursday from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. last week.

While the change became official last week, the idea of lengthening the library’s closing time has been considered by the library staff before.
 
Brian Rossmann, the associate dean of the library, said that although students have expressed a need for later hours, the decision was only taken into serious consideration for the first time last fall. Along with the library commons renovation last summer, a gate-sensor was installed near the entryway, allowing the administration to detect hourly traffic.

Tamara Miller, the dean of the library, said the data presented by this technology shows that more than 100 people leave the library between 11p.m. and midnight. “Students are here late,” Rossmann said. “We have come to the conclusion there is a legitimate student need, which we are trying to meet.”

After a meeting with student senators to gain student support, the library administration sought approval from the provost’s office and human resources to create a late-night position that will close the library after 2 a.m.

David Dunbar, a library technician, said utilizing these extra hours in excess may pose a threat to one’s sleep schedule. He does, however, believe that student government supports the general consensus throughout campus, which is in favor of the extra hours.

Rossmann said group study rooms will be included in the extension and, like the library, will close at 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Finals and Dead Week, however, are no exceptions, and the library’s hours will remain the same as previous semesters, closing at 2 a.m.

“I believe the administration is listening to students,” Dunbar said, “and is willing to try anything that gives students the tools and support needed to do well in their studies.”