extended_hours frupan 24/7 Library Facility Access Scope Note If there is strong support, implementing a 24/7 facility access policy can show that the library is service-oriented and adapts to needs of its patrons. However, issues of staffing, security, and finance can be prohibitive factors; academic libraries generally resolve the dilemma by limiting the extended access to certain days or times of year, or to certain facilities and services. Background · 83% of ARL member libraries have some form of extended library facility hours beyond the traditional schedule · But there is great variation in days and hours among these libraries · There are still very few libraries which provide 24/7 access to all or even part of the library Why do it? Why is it important? · One reason is to provide convenient place for students or other patrons to meet and study after-hours · Another is to allow for extended access to high-demand services and equipment- this is especially important with new libraries or libraries with newer materials and resources Main Issues- staffing, security, and finance Staffing 1. Might not be that big an issue if services are not provided, as in the case of a study or meeting room secluded from the rest of the library. 2. But, if the area that’s going to be opened 24-hours is in the main section of the library, and especially if library services are offered, then staffing is important. 3. Most libraries that have some form of extended hours reassign existing staff to fill these positions, most of these are support staff and students. 4. In some libraries, staff volunteer and are paid overtime. 5. Hiring new staff to fill the added time slot is less common, but when it does take place, the new hires are generally students. Security Security can also be an issue. 1. Usually there is security staff already in place during regular library hours that can fill the gap. If not, then this staff will need to be hired. 2. Most libraries that have extended hours rely on security desks or walkthroughs. 3. Video cameras and alarms are also common, as are partnerships with campus security and “safewalk” programs. 4. Less common, but still in use on some campuses are key cards or motions sensors (SPEC Kit 264). Finance 1. One of the primary prohibitive points is the financial burden associated with the extension of library hours. 2. Engel found that keeping a large university library open 24/7 during the six-day period of finals week costs the university roughly $5,000. 3. If you extrapolate his figures to cover the entire school year, it is obvious that the expense is pretty great. Key Reading Recent user studies seem to indicate certain trends among participating academic library users with regard to extended hours. According to ARL SPEC Kit 264, 1. Undergraduate students are the overwhelming force behind the move to 24/7 access. 2. Graduate student are more interested in later hours and weekend hours 3. Faculty, are more interested in extended hours during holidays and breaks 4. The least vocal are library staff, affiliated researchers, and campus administration Models One leader when it comes to 24/7 access is University of Arizona whose information commons provides 24-hour access to computers, printers, and multimedia resources. It also has live support specialists whose hours far exceed those of most other universities. So, is 24/7 library facility access the wave of the future? Probably, especially if the local community is very supportive, and students or faculty are very vocal about it. 24/7 remote access to library databases is already common in most academic libraries. All the surveys seem to indicate that there is clear need and benefit to keeping at least some areas of the library open past the traditional schedule, as well as perhaps offering limited library services. Its also possible new libraries will be designed so that these sections of the library can be easily partitioned from the rest to alleviate some security concerns. 031111 what's it to you? who go blather from