Finals are coming up, and the need for easy, reliable access for the Benjamin S. Rosenthal Library for students is important.
Some students would like the library to stay open 24 hours every day. In fact, a petition on Change.org was created for this reason. As of Dec. 1, 358 people signed it.
Isioma Ononye is a senior who agreed with this idea.
“If I’m on campus, I want to have access at any time to the library to do my work,” Ononye said. “It would make things easier.”
The library is open from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday. But on Friday, it is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last May, levels two and three of the library were open for 24 hours for finals.
Javier Morales is a graduate student who took advantage of the library when it was open during finals week, going in around 11 p.m. He also supported the idea, but felt it would face problems.
“I think everyone would benefit. But I can see why CUNY would be against it for budget issues, such as staffing library personnel and security,” Morales said.
The library also offers desk services. Bryan Matz, also a graduate student, worked night shifts and observed when students require the most and least help.
“During my shifts after 6 p.m., I may help one or two people an hour finding books or helping people at the front desk. During midterm and finals week, I’ll get up to 20 people between 4:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.,” Matz said. “I think it would be great to study whenever you can, but I don’t see the hours being used resourcefully.”
Kate Landsorf, a graduate student, usually studies at the library. She said the library should open for all students, especially those who work.
“I don’t think the library should be restricted to students who have a non-traditional work schedule,” she said.
Twaambo Moyo, a senior, said students who live on campus could benefit more from the idea than commuters.
“I think it should be 24 hours, besides Saturday and Sunday,” Moyo said. “In consideration to the students who live on campus, they can go whenever they want.”
The Rosenthal Library will open 24 hours again for finals week. But Brian Dunlop, a senior, said the library open day may help students with their work.
“It would feel good to know I can always go to the library to do research,” Dunlop said. “It is a convenient idea.”
