Students laboring late over typewriters and texts now can use Pollock Library, open 24 hours, seven days a week on a trial basis this semester.

Initiated by members of the Undergraduate Student Government last April, the new hours will provide an alternative to late-night study sessions in classroom buildings.

"Most students were using empty classrooms in the middle of the night (to study)," said USG President Janyne Althaus, who cited the need for the 24-hour facility as part of her campaign platform.

She noted that security concerns for students and the building motivated USG to ask the University to designate Pollock as a 24-hour location.

The services available to students on a late night basis include: circulation of books, photocopier, pay typewriters, calculator, campus telephone, group study rooms and dial-access learning stations.

Under the plan, all library patrons will have to show a PSU ID to enter or remain in the library past midnight. The second floor will be closed between midnight and 8 a.m. and LIAS will be available from 6:30 a.m. to midnight.

"We may need a larger facility," Althaus said, noting that Pattee Library was probably not considered because of its size and 24-hour operating costs.

The estimated cost of keeping Pollock Library open between midnight and 8 a.m. with two librarians present would be an additional $15,000 to $17,000, said Vladimir Micuda, acting assistant dean of the University libraries.

He said the money was not included in the regular library budget and will be funded by the provost's office.

The library will be closed for spring break.

Althaus said she could not estimate the number of students who would use the library past midnight, but noted that the 24-hour computer lab in Redifer has been a success.

In the future, surveys will be distributed to assess who uses the library most, what services are most popular and what services are needed, Althaus said.

"I think it's great, because it's really quiet and a good place to study," said Kathleen Dwinnells (senior-international politics). "It's better than being kicked out at midnight and trying to find another place."

Amy Ducoff agreed. "It should be a big help to students whose roommates are sleeping and need a place to study," said Ducoff (freshman-Division of Undergraduate Studies).