The Middleton Library extended hours trial period proved successful, and the facility will stay open until 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday starting Dec. 1. Student Government President Colorado Robertson said the new hours will remain in effect until the end of the spring semester. “At that time, it will be evaluated again,” Robertson said. “[Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Astrid] Merget thought we needed a larger time frame to look at the costs, but it seems to be pretty institutionalized.”Robertson and library administrators met Thursday to discuss how the student usage compared to the $1,556 a month cost of keeping the library open for two extra hours. “They decided it was definitely worth keeping it open,” Robertson said. “The usage justified the costs.”Robertson said the University will cover the extra costs.Jennifer Cargill, dean of Libraries, could not be reached for comment. Robertson said the biggest concerns of library officials were staffing and security, but arrangements have been made to cover these areas. “They’re going to bring in new staff to be trained to meet the need, which is why we have to wait until Dec. 1,” Robertson said. “And a police officer will continue to be provided during those hours.”Library officials are also looking at models of other universities that provide escorts, such as members of ROTC, to walk students to their destinations, Robertson said. Robertson said a complete renovation of Middleton is possible. “We’re looking into off-site storage to free up some space and make room for more group-study rooms,” Robertson said. “If the library could find the funds, I believe students would put up their part to improve the library because it’s so integral to the campus. It’s down the road, but we’re just starting to talk about it.”Only the first floor of the library will remain open during the extended hours. Robertson said he was unsure if the CC’s Coffee House will continue the late hours. Prior to the switch, Middleton closed earlier than any other SEC universities’ library. With the new hours, Middleton Library will be on par with five other SEC universities’ library hours and will stay open later than two. Robertson said he heard a high student demand for later library hours during campaigning last spring. “It was something students wanted done,” Robertson said. “The library provides many resources that the new generation of students needs access to.” —-Contact Katie Kennedy at [email protected]