Library to offer students 24-hour access to study space
Christina Heiser, Managing Editor
Issue date: 1/21/09 Section: News
In an effort to offer more study space options for students, the library will grant 24-hour access to the quiet study lounge on the first floor.
The service begins on Wednesday, Jan. 21, and according to Theresa Maylone, University librarian, the idea to keep the quiet study lounge (located to the right of the café) open 24 hours, 7 days a week, has been tossed around since the library renovations were taking place over the summer.
"Many other university libraries have study space with 24-hour access for students and the reason why we weren't able to do it here at St. John's before was due to lack of physical space," Maylone said. "So it wasn't that we were reluctant to do this before, it's just that we wanted to make sure we could provide the adequate service needed to make this succeed."
However, she explained that there is still "a substantial concern about security" because "it is very easy to get onto the other floors and onto the elevators."
Maylone mentioned the lounge is for the use of studying only.
"This is not going to be a lounge or hangout spot," she said. "This will be a quiet study area reserved for students in need of after-hours studying."
Maylone said that keeping the quiet study lounge open for 24 hours a day will benefit students.
"Sometimes, students study better in an environment outside of the dorms and in an area that is conducive to learning," she said. "With this added feature, students will now have the option of using this space for study at all times. We want to do everything we can to support the traditional and non-traditional student."
Maylone acknowledged that there has not been a "vast number of students who have requested this improvement," but that this comes "in response to persistent requests for such a service over a long period of time."
"We realize this may take some time to catch on, for example, we do not anticipate an overwhelming number of students using the service right away but we know when exams come around, this will be another option of quiet study space students can use," she said.
Some students said that they had not heard about the study lounge's new hours, but that they may make use of it during the semester.
"I didn't hear about it," said Kaitlyn Marinella, a junior. "I might take advantage of it."
Catharine Corrigan, a junior, also had not heard about the new service, but she said "it will be easier for students who want to form study groups."
The service begins on Wednesday, Jan. 21, and according to Theresa Maylone, University librarian, the idea to keep the quiet study lounge (located to the right of the café) open 24 hours, 7 days a week, has been tossed around since the library renovations were taking place over the summer.
"Many other university libraries have study space with 24-hour access for students and the reason why we weren't able to do it here at St. John's before was due to lack of physical space," Maylone said. "So it wasn't that we were reluctant to do this before, it's just that we wanted to make sure we could provide the adequate service needed to make this succeed."
However, she explained that there is still "a substantial concern about security" because "it is very easy to get onto the other floors and onto the elevators."
Maylone mentioned the lounge is for the use of studying only.
"This is not going to be a lounge or hangout spot," she said. "This will be a quiet study area reserved for students in need of after-hours studying."
Maylone said that keeping the quiet study lounge open for 24 hours a day will benefit students.
"Sometimes, students study better in an environment outside of the dorms and in an area that is conducive to learning," she said. "With this added feature, students will now have the option of using this space for study at all times. We want to do everything we can to support the traditional and non-traditional student."
Maylone acknowledged that there has not been a "vast number of students who have requested this improvement," but that this comes "in response to persistent requests for such a service over a long period of time."
"We realize this may take some time to catch on, for example, we do not anticipate an overwhelming number of students using the service right away but we know when exams come around, this will be another option of quiet study space students can use," she said.
Some students said that they had not heard about the study lounge's new hours, but that they may make use of it during the semester.
"I didn't hear about it," said Kaitlyn Marinella, a junior. "I might take advantage of it."
Catharine Corrigan, a junior, also had not heard about the new service, but she said "it will be easier for students who want to form study groups."
Be the first to comment on this story