UVa Library Press Releases 2000 - 2001

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CLEMONS TO STAY OPEN 24 HOURS

Contact: Melissa Norris, Public Relations Coordinator at (804) 924-4254 or e-mail: mln4n@virginia.edu

October 9, 2000 - Clemons Library will soon begin staying open for 24-hours in a pilot program to accommodate students who want to study past the previous 2am closing time.

Student Council worked for nearly a year for a 24-hour library. Earlier this month, University President John Casteen III announced at a Board of Visitors meeting that funds had been secured to support the new hours through the spring 2001 semester.

University Librarian Karin Wittenborg and Director of Clemons Vicki Coleman said today that they are pleased that President Casteen found additional funds to support the Student Council resolution to keep Clemons Library open 24 hours. They are gratified that students value Clemons‰ hours and services. They both said that the library will extend hours as soon as they can hire staff and install needed security.

Wittenborg stressed that the funds provided by the University are for extending hours through the remainder of this academic year as a trial; during which time the Library will work closely with Council President Joe Bilby and Student Council to establish standards to judge the success of the new hours.

Coleman is working quickly to fill the two job positions necessary to implement staying open 24 hours. She is also working with University Police on how to provide security to the students in the library.

Coleman anticipates that by next week the Library should have a date estimate of when Clemons will be open 24 hours. "We are committed to providing the students with a 24 hour, safe environment in which to study. I hope they take full advantage of it," said Coleman.

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