Students pressing for 24-hour access to College Library's quiet spaces, computer labs and endless supply of books will be collecting surveys and soliciting students to complete cards supporting the initiative next week.
The 24-hour library campaign, which is at the top of the Associated Students of Madison's agenda this semester, has been meeting with UW-Madison administrators in recent weeks to address the issue, while also gathering data to assess student support of the initiative.
\The administration is really cooperative and we're just trying to get them what they need so that we can have a 24-hour library, such as showing them student support,"" said Nina Ziebarth-Pavlovich, an intern with the 24-hour library campaign.
Library administration recently conducted a survey at the 24-hour wing of Memorial Library, which is a pilot project that has been running since the beginning of the year. According to Ken Frazier, director of Library Services, the survey yielded positive results.
""In all honesty, it's gone better than we thought,"" he said. ""There's more use of the 24-hour library access than I would have predicted. It's very, very clear that the service is highly valued by students and that was reflected.""
However, Frazier said there are monetary concerns connected with the prospect of expanded hours at College Library since Library Services is still in the dark about its share of the university's budget cuts. Currently, library services spends about $45,000 each year on the 24-hour wing at Memorial Library. Most of this cost is devoted to security. According to Matt Modell, chair of the 24-hour library campaign, the group's proposal would not bring a substantial cost increase since the wing at Memorial Library would not retain its 24-hour status. Meanwhile, College Library would not require many more staff than currently maintain Memorial Library in the early morning hours.
""The cost of a 24-hour library is already being used in the wing, so why not move it to a large library,"" Ziebarth-Pavlovich said.
Frazier also noted problems with cleanliness in the 24-hour wing at Memorial Library. He said they are working with custodial services and students to alleviate this.
Committee representatives said their goal is to have 24-hour service at College Library in place by the beginning of next year.
