Library to be Open 24 Hours a Day, Five Days a Week

Supporting student success and responding to requests for extended hours, the Kent State University Library will be open 24 hours, five days a week following spring break. 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.”

Beginning March 27, the Library will open at 12 p.m. on Sundays and close at 10 p.m. on Fridays. Saturday hours will be 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 will be 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 will be limited to current Kent State students, faculty and staff beginning at 11 p.m. Users will be required to present their Flash ID to a security aide to gain entry. Security escort service will be 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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Photo Caption:
Kent State University students use the computers on the first floor of the Library, which will now be open 24 hours a day, five days a week starting March 27.

Media Contacts:
Diane Sperko, dsperko@kent.edu, 330-672-1852
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595