By Avery McKinney
BYU students are taking advantage of new late-night hours at the library, according to statistics taken by library staff this week.
'The number of students in the library from 12-2 a.m. has more then tripled what it was last week,' said Mike Hooper communications manager. 'We have counted at least 600 plus students between the hours of 12 a.m. and 2 a.m. this week.'
The library has been tracking the number of students who are taking advantage of the late hours as an experiment that could possibly change the hours of the library all semester long, not just during finals week.
'It''s something that if the need is there, we''re seriously looking into leaving it open later for students,' Hooper said.
Hooper said the numbers are calculated three ways: a counter at the security desk, the number of students who come to the reference desk, and by doing head-counts of kids at tables.
'We do know that it''s working out very well and the students are coming and staying. It''s successful from what we''ve seen,' Hooper said.
Library workers said the difference was noticeable.
'One of our students in General Reference said the place was busy, and there were a lot of students studying for finals,' said Cindy Frazier, department assistant for General Reference at the library. 'They aren''t coming to the desk to ask questions, but they are studying.'
The library has extended the hours to 1 a.m. in past years, but never to 2.
Hooper said he expects the number to stay constant throughout finals week
'I wouldn''t be surprised if the number rose from what we''ve counted this week,' Hooper said.
Hooper said he''s unsure of how many students will have to take advantage of the late hours to cause a permanent change, but it looks as though students are taking advantage of the change.
'Its successful from what we''ve seen,' Hooper said. 'And what we do know also is that students are studying. We were worried they might be socializing or sleeping.'
General Reference, Circulation and Periodicals will be open until 2 a.m. Monday through Friday. The computer Lab will be open until 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, and close at midnight on Friday.
Saturday hours will remain the same.