Mullins Library offering later hours after student response
Tina Korbe
Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: News
The ASG might co-sponsor the extension with a financial contribution, Shin said, but such a contribution would have to be authorized by the ASG senate.
"If help needs to come from the executive budget, then that's something we'd consider, as well," Shin said.
Boyd said staffing and security posed operational challenges to the extension, as well.
"Security is the big one because the Razorback patrol escort, unless it's changed, only runs until midnight," Boyd said.
As a safety precaution, the east entrance facing Vol Walker will close at midnight, according to the press release, so students will only be able to use the west entrance facing the Arkansas Student Union.
Library officials also contacted the UA police department about providing extra security, so there will be at least one officer at the library overnight on those nights when it is open 24 hours, according to Lt. Gary Crain, UAPD public information officer.
"I see no problem with this," Crain said, "especially if it helps students during finals and they need the time for studying."
One of the biggest benefits of the longer hours is that students won't have to work their schedules to the library, Shin said.
"Especially during finals when you're already stressed out, it's an added stress to have to think, 'If I go now, I can make it to the library before it closes' when you really need to be able to take care of a few other things before you go to study," he said.
Maryam Niroumand, a senior from Oklahoma City, agrees.
"That's going to be awesome, during finals, when it's down to the wire, to be able to come here to do some last-minute research or utilize the periodicals at any time," she said.
Ricky Jones, a freshman from Fayetteville, also plans to utilize the library after midnight, he said, especially because the internet is more reliable in the library than in his dorm.
"Based on the amount of work I have to do, I don't think I'll have time to do it all during the day," Jones said. "So, if I can come here after midnight, I probably will."
While students like Jones, Niroumand and Shin are excited about the way the extension benefits them, they are also appreciative of the sacrifice extended hours will require from staff members.
"That shows how much they care about students and their jobs as librarians, as well, that they're willing to put in those extra hours," Niroumand said.
"If help needs to come from the executive budget, then that's something we'd consider, as well," Shin said.
Boyd said staffing and security posed operational challenges to the extension, as well.
"Security is the big one because the Razorback patrol escort, unless it's changed, only runs until midnight," Boyd said.
As a safety precaution, the east entrance facing Vol Walker will close at midnight, according to the press release, so students will only be able to use the west entrance facing the Arkansas Student Union.
Library officials also contacted the UA police department about providing extra security, so there will be at least one officer at the library overnight on those nights when it is open 24 hours, according to Lt. Gary Crain, UAPD public information officer.
"I see no problem with this," Crain said, "especially if it helps students during finals and they need the time for studying."
One of the biggest benefits of the longer hours is that students won't have to work their schedules to the library, Shin said.
"Especially during finals when you're already stressed out, it's an added stress to have to think, 'If I go now, I can make it to the library before it closes' when you really need to be able to take care of a few other things before you go to study," he said.
Maryam Niroumand, a senior from Oklahoma City, agrees.
"That's going to be awesome, during finals, when it's down to the wire, to be able to come here to do some last-minute research or utilize the periodicals at any time," she said.
Ricky Jones, a freshman from Fayetteville, also plans to utilize the library after midnight, he said, especially because the internet is more reliable in the library than in his dorm.
"Based on the amount of work I have to do, I don't think I'll have time to do it all during the day," Jones said. "So, if I can come here after midnight, I probably will."
While students like Jones, Niroumand and Shin are excited about the way the extension benefits them, they are also appreciative of the sacrifice extended hours will require from staff members.
"That shows how much they care about students and their jobs as librarians, as well, that they're willing to put in those extra hours," Niroumand said.
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