Midnight‐2.00 a.m.: what goes on at the library?

Abstract

PurposeAssessment is a driving force in the library and services offered are constantly evaluated for their merit. This study seeks to review student use of an academic library during late‐night hours to determine the effectiveness of the service.Design/methodology/approachLate‐night library users were surveyed about the frequency and reasons for their late‐night library use. They were given the opportunity to voice their opinions about the value of library services provided from midnight to 2.00 a.m. Face‐to‐face interviews were conducted. Numbers of users were tallied and student behavior was observed and noted. Websites were reviewed to determine open hours at other libraries.FindingsThe investigators found that the patrons viewed the library as a quiet, peaceful place conducive to study and placed high value on late‐night access to the library. This was confirmed by the fact that there were requests to further extend the late‐night hours and to offer access to more library space. The research established the library as a haven required by a dedicated group of students who greatly needed a late‐night place to work.Research limitations/implicationsThe investigators plan to extend the study of late‐night use to determine where the students go at 11.30 p.m., when all floors except first floor close. In addition, more questions will relate to student classification, area of study, late‐night safety, food, age, gender, mode of transportation, and housing. Participant recruitment will be enhanced to increase participation.Practical implicationsThese outcomes could result in changes to the hours and services provided after midnight and have an impact on other libraries following similar late‐night practices.Originality/valueThere is little information in the literature about student behavior during hours after midnight. No reference was made to investigators observing student behavior first‐hand during late‐night hours.

Mysteries in the Night: An Exploratory Study of Student Use and Perceptions of 24/5 Hours

“…However, the library did decide to open 24 hours during finals week in part because of pressure from the student government. At Minnesota State University (Lawrence & Weber, 2012), the researchers used a combination of surveys, interviews, observation, mapping and statistics to try to determine effectiveness of the library's overnight hours. The authors report that students' main reasons for using the overnight hours were quiet study, computing 98 S. L. Sowell and J. E. Nutefall and printing, work with study groups, and resources.…”

Behavior and informal learning at night in a 24-hour space: A case study of the Hong Kong Design Institute Library

“…In a study of student activities between the hours of midnight and 2 a.m., Lawrence and Weber (2012) found that patrons viewed the library as a quiet, peaceful place conducive to study and placed high value on late night access to the library so much that students requested further extension of the late-night hours in addition to offering access to more library space. The research discovered the library as a haven required by a dedicated group of students who greatly needed a late-night place to work in.…”

Identifying and Classifying User Typologies Within a United Kingdom Hospital Library Setting: A Case Study

“…Virtual or online typologies were identified by Lawrence and Weber (2012), Brandtzaeg and Heim (2011) and Nicholas, Rowlands, Clark and Williams (2011). In a study in the United States of America, Lawrence and Weber (2012), observed higher education students late at night -and generated amusement from students about the "diligence" of the librarians observing them out of hours.…”