Round 'bout midnight

Shiva Kale: "The security measures seem fair." (Bruce Bottomley Photo)

McDonald's won't be the only thing open late.

Beginning next month, students can study on campus until the wee hours. Running from March 8, through to the end of exams, the Killam Library Learning Commons will remain open to Dalhousie students until 3 a.m. for those who wish to get some late night/early morning study time in. The extended hours run Sundays to Thursdays.

“This was probably one of the strongest things expressed to us from the students,” explains Bonnie Neuman, vice-president, Student Services. “We believe the learning commons in the Killam is the best location for this.”

The new hours will be in effect in the weeks leading up to and during exams at the end of every semester. Security is an important concern for the new policy and measures are being implemented. A proximity reader is being installed at the main Killam entrance where students will swipe their Dalcards to enter after midnight. Students who already use their cards to swipe their way into residences will be good to go, but all other students will have to get a new DalCard – free of charge.

The only catch is that the building will still close at midnight and everyone inside will have to leave and swipe their cards to re-enter. There will also be no librarians in the library after midnight.

In addition to regular Dalhousie security patrols, a commissionaire has been hired to act as full-time security and the McCain parking lot – the closest available lot – will open at midnight so that students can move their cars there.

“We really hope this helps meets some of the needs of students,” says Dr. Neuman. “We understand they have fluid schedules and sometimes don't have a quiet study area at home.”

Shiva Kale, a double major in neuroscience and international development studies, thinks the new policy seems well planned.

“The security measures seem fair, given that the policy is for Dal students,” says Mr. Kale, who uses the learning commons fairly often. “I don’t stay that late, but I would if necessary and it’s great for those who need it.” He also agrees with the timing – at the end of the semester – and doesn’t think it’s needed year-round.

First-year nursing student, Beth Hudson, at Dal for a second degree, thinks the new policy is a good idea, but would rather see it available to the whole library.

“It's probably going to be most useful for people who need a computer or printers,” says Ms. Hudson, who spends at least three hours at the library four to five days a week. “I don't normally study in the commons, but this is a good start, and if I need to, I would use it.”

LINK: "Killam LC hours extended for night owls" in The LibVine