Kent State Library Will Stay Open 24 Hours, 5 Days a Week

Kent State University students can look forward to extended hours at the university's library after spring break and in time for finals.

The university announced today plans to run the library on a 24-5 schedule, with the library open 24 hours a day five days a week starting March 27.

Diane Sperko, communications officer for university libraries, said the move is not going to cost the university anything.

“We were able to move work from during the daytime to the evening,” Sperko said. "So we’re using existing staff to cover everything."

The move comes as as part of an effort to increase access for students and staff.

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 the space 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."

Starting March 27, the library will open at noon 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 May 6. Library summer hours start May 7. Those hours will be posted on the university libraries’ website later in the semester.

The library will not be fully staffed during overnight hours, as only three staff members will be on duty during the night shift. Students will have access to circulation desk services, but no cash-based transactions will be available after 11 p.m.

Only students, staff and faculty will have library access after 11 p.m. Library visitors will be required to present their Flash ID to a security aide to gain entry. Security escort services will be available for those leaving the building after dark and before sunrise.

"We’re looking forward to it,” Sperko said.  "When I was a student here ... I could have used it."