First, and perhaps most significant, the University Libraries will extend the hours of the Klarchek Information Commons to 24 hours, Sunday through Friday, beginning Tuesday, September 6. The new schedule is a pilot project in response to frequent requests in recent years by students who have indicated a need for a 24 hour space to research, study, and work jointly and singly on projects. The pilot project will last from the Fall Semester 2011 through the end of classes in the Spring Semester 2012, excluding holidays and inter-session. Services will include: 24 hr. virtual reference service (called AskLive), general and directional questions at the service desks, laptop circulation, and general IT assistance. Our other library spaces (Cudahy Library and Lewis Library) will maintain their regular schedules. In support of this pilot project the University Libraries also formed a 24/5 exploratory committee with representation from several departments, including Campus Safety, ITS, Residence Life, and Facilities to both advise on the pilot project and provide feedback this coming academic year from their respective areas.
