Library to open first 24-hour facility in October
By: Noah Cohen
Issue date: 8/24/07 Section: News
Originally published: 8/24/07 at 3:04 AM EST
Last update: 8/24/07 at 3:08 AM EST
Originally published: 8/24/07 at 3:04 AM EST
Last update: 8/24/07 at 3:08 AM EST
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A section of the Hagerty Library is currently undergoing renovation and is slated to be the first permanent 24-hour facility on campus.
Construction is scheduled to be finished in October, according to Dorothy Schwartz, director of administrative services for the library.
The 24-hour room will feature new lighting, more comfortable chairs and a small café, according to Jane Bryan, director of Drexel Libraries.
Bryan explained the 24-hour room was driven by student suggestions and an advisory board of students established two years ago.
"We are looking to respond to student needs," Bryan said. Student suggestions were a great resource, she said, and she encouraged more students to contact the library with ideas,
The Undergraduate Student Government Association was a part of the initial advisory board two years ago.
"I love the idea of a 24 hour facility on campus. It is something that the USGA has been working towards for some time now," USGA President Jeff Gardosh said. "Many other universities offer at least one late night facility and we saw the need for a similar facility at Drexel."
The 24-hour room will be a lounge style area and will not be designated a "quiet zone" with group work and socialization welcomed.
In addition to new furniture, the room will have computers and wireless Internet.
While other parts of the library are open to non-Drexel affiliates the 24-hour access will be for University students, faculty and staff only.
The room will use a DragonCard access and will have a constant presence from Public Safety.
"The only overnight staffing is security," said Bryan, the Library Director.
The idea for the 24-hour area has been on the minds of library leadership for some time; however, the project came to fruition after University President Constantine Papadakis contributed to the funding.
Library officials declined to give the specifics of the contribution given but called it a "substantial amount."
Bryan did say that the President's funding allocation was specifically designated for use in building public spaces for students.
Drexel's department of Planning, Design and Construction reports an estimated budget of $1,000,000 for the room's renovations according to the PDC Web site.
Bryan stated that the renovations would provide 92 seats plus 11 booths that can seat up to four people each.
Construction is scheduled to be finished in October, according to Dorothy Schwartz, director of administrative services for the library.
The 24-hour room will feature new lighting, more comfortable chairs and a small café, according to Jane Bryan, director of Drexel Libraries.
Bryan explained the 24-hour room was driven by student suggestions and an advisory board of students established two years ago.
"We are looking to respond to student needs," Bryan said. Student suggestions were a great resource, she said, and she encouraged more students to contact the library with ideas,
The Undergraduate Student Government Association was a part of the initial advisory board two years ago.
"I love the idea of a 24 hour facility on campus. It is something that the USGA has been working towards for some time now," USGA President Jeff Gardosh said. "Many other universities offer at least one late night facility and we saw the need for a similar facility at Drexel."
The 24-hour room will be a lounge style area and will not be designated a "quiet zone" with group work and socialization welcomed.
In addition to new furniture, the room will have computers and wireless Internet.
While other parts of the library are open to non-Drexel affiliates the 24-hour access will be for University students, faculty and staff only.
The room will use a DragonCard access and will have a constant presence from Public Safety.
"The only overnight staffing is security," said Bryan, the Library Director.
The idea for the 24-hour area has been on the minds of library leadership for some time; however, the project came to fruition after University President Constantine Papadakis contributed to the funding.
Library officials declined to give the specifics of the contribution given but called it a "substantial amount."
Bryan did say that the President's funding allocation was specifically designated for use in building public spaces for students.
Drexel's department of Planning, Design and Construction reports an estimated budget of $1,000,000 for the room's renovations according to the PDC Web site.
Bryan stated that the renovations would provide 92 seats plus 11 booths that can seat up to four people each.
