Library Takes Steps in the Right Direction

Stair access to the library's second floor may be one of the most noteworthy additions to Wilf campus that you still don't know about. Even though little has been done to notify library users that the austere metal door opposite the lobby security desk is in fact the gateway to a new life free from the frustration of elevator traffic, we welcome this much anticipated renovation. Color and wireless printing complement the stairwell as the newest additions to the library's technology repertoire.

The library is one of the staples of the Wilf campus, and, in light of these recent developments, we applaud the library staff's and the Student Life Committee's efforts to accommodate student needs.

Many students, however, may still be dissatisfied with the library's services. The library's closing policy is a common issue of contention among students. The Library lengthened its weekday closing time from 1 AM to 3 AM (which, incidentally, only applies to the lobby area-the library itself still closes at 1 AM) last semester, but we feel all floors of the library should be open all hours of the night. Rigorous daily schedules that include late-night lab or night seder do not allow students to begin homework and studying until sometimes as late as 10 PM.

These YU students could benefit from a 24 hour study space replete with the resources Pollack and Gottesman have to offer. If the library is worried about vandalism or thievery and does not want to employ librarians 24 hours a day, simply stationing security guards throughout the library during the late night hours would solve the problem.

While we understand that the library has reservations about a 24-hour schedule, there are certain concessions that should be reasonable to students and staffers alike. For instance, the library has done little to utilize its rather large lobby, sparsely populated by a meager eight cushioned chairs and two coffee tables. Why not transform this space into a student lounge area, complete with dozens of tables, comfortable chairs, and vending snack machines to accommodate those late-night crammers who stay until 3 AM?

Comfortable furniture is desperately needed on the main floors as well, in order to replace the inhospitable pieces of wood masquerading as chairs throughout Pollack and Gottesman. Library staff and YU administrators may be hesitant to implement larger renovations into a library which is currently undergoing construction on its exterior and awaits an extensive project in its interior. This should not mean, however, that current undergraduates receive the short end of the proverbial stick. Current students deserve more accommodating chairs just as much as they deserved easy access to the second floor.

The library's most recent endeavors to improve Wilf Campus's main study and research space are promising. We hope that these new efforts are the beginning of a much greater attempt to address some of the other issues concerning the Pollack-Gottesman library.