“I didn’t have enough time in the library last night to finish my homework.” “I didn’t know where there was a color printer on campus.” These excuses can no longer be used at Tennessee Tech. As of Jan. 20, the Angelo and Jennette Volpe Library will be open Sunday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Charlene McClain works in the circulation department at the library and explained how the change in hours came about.
“The library webpage has a feedback form, and from what I understand, many of the students that are in the library late at night studying thought that two more hours would help them and Library Dean Dr. Doug Bates considered it and said that he would extend the hours for this semester,” said McClain.
McClain said this change was not an indefinite decision but is a trial run to see if the students are going to use it. However, the first night of the extended schedule produced only two late-night studiers. Since then, the numbers have increased to 25-30 students each night.
According to McClain, students can rent laptops from the media checkout desk until midnight instead of 11 p.m., the previous library schedule. Desktop computers are available until the library closes at 2 a.m.
The library now has freshmen and sophomore level textbooks available for checkout. McClain said the library’s coordinator of public services, Sharon Holderman, has coordinated with several departments to ensure that all entry-level classes have textbooks available in the library. These books can be checked out for two hours at a time.
“Many of the faculty have donated some, the library has bought some,” said McClain. “We have a list on the front desk of the textbooks we have.”
The Commons tutoring center is also located in the library, a fact some students are unaware of.
“A lot of students don’t know that they’ll help you with any class,” said McClain. “They think it’s just math and science and something you have to have a formula with. English, writing skills, anything. Come and they’ll try to help you.”
McClain said students that come to college could get help if they want it.
“There’s no reason to fail out or not do your homework,” said McClain. “There’s a lot of people on campus that are willing to help you now.”
According to Library Dean Doug Bates, students should keep an eye out for updates to the library, such as new technologies in the Digital Media Creation Lab and a new discovery center located in the B wing on the third floor. The faculty study rooms in the A wing will be removed to provide additional quiet study space on the floor.
Although not new, the library includes the ability to print in color. According to Bates, color copies cost 25 cents each, while black and white copies are 7.5 cents for one side and 10 cents for two.
