Colleges recommend that students study 2-3 hours per week for every hour spent in class. That means that if you are taking 15 credit hours — five three-credit classes— you would need to spend an average of 20-30 hours per week studying outside of class.

For many, this time is best spent at the library, where there are tables to spread materials on, wireless Internet access, reference books and silence. It makes sense that most studying is done on days when students have more “free” time. For many students this elusive free time exists primarily on the weekends.

So why is it that the Grace Hauenstein Library is open the fewest number of hours precisely when students have the most time to study?

The library is open weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to midnight, but closes Friday and Saturday night at 5 p.m – just in time for students to arrive home following an afternoon in class or at work and be without a quiet place to study.

There have been several occasions on which I have forgotten about the early close times and arrived at 3:30 or 4 ready to spend the evening studying, only to be disappointed at 4:45 by the announcement that the library is closing for the night.

Of course The Moose is open late, but on weekends it often gets crowded and noisy — especially if there’s an event taking place. Dorms and apartments can be just as distracting.

Beyond studying, the library offers other resources that students cannot currently take advantage of on weekend nights – for example, an extensive DVD collection in the media center perfect for college-budget movie night. In addition, some programs required for class projects or assignments are only installed and available via on-campus computers. The limited availability of these programs on weekends could possibly prevent students from completing homework at a convenient time.

Logistically, it is probable that there would be student workers available for longer shifts on weekends – budget allowing. And if the library’s lights aren’t able to be turned off at night why waste the electricity – allow students to use the space and energy for something positive.

Ideally the library should be open later than midnight on weekdays too. College students are notorious for staying up late cramming for exams or finishing last-minute papers. Even the weekend before final exams last semester the library closed at 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
If it is impossible to keep the library open all night, it is certainly not unreasonable to demand longer hours.