Unlike Hayden Library - open 24 hours during the week - Information Commons, the Downtown campus library, closes its doors to students at 10 p.m.
Nursing freshman Lucy Carfagno said it would be more convenient if the downtown library were open later.
"I am busy with classes, work and going to the gym during the day," Carfagno said. "I may not study or go to the library until 9 o'clock [at night]."
Scott Muir, director of Information Commons, said the demand is currently too low to expand hours.
"This past Sunday night at 8:30 p.m., there were only two students in the Information Commons," Muir said. "That is typical of our counts during closing time."
In August 2004, Hayden Library on the Tempe Campus began 24-hour service during the week, said Vicki Coleman, ASU associate university librarian.
"The demand [for 24-hour service] came from the students, and the library supported the demand," Coleman said.
For example, in November 2006, about 230 people entered the library between midnight and 7 a.m. every weekday, she said.
Psychology junior Stephanie Marsh - in Hayden at 11:45 p.m. Monday - said she appreciates Hayden Library's hours.
"I've pulled all-nighters here [at Hayden] rather than try to study at home with [distractions like] my TV and bed," Marsh said.
Marketing junior Troy Engelland said he is too busy with classes during the day to study and does not usually arrive in Hayden Library until about 9 p.m.
"I study the best at night," Engelland said. "When I'm studying for a test, having the library open after 12 [midnight] is crucial."
Muir said the goal of the Information Commons is to reflect actual student needs.
"As the number of students on the Downtown campus increases and as the number of students using the Information Commons at night increases, we will review and make decisions about increasing the number of open hours," Muir said.
Hayden Library is the only ASU library open 24 hours, and the Tempe campus has about 50,000 students compared to about 3,000 downtown, he added.
The Residential Commons - the downtown residence hall - does offer a small computer room with four terminals that are open 24 hours a day seven days a week to students.
Kinesiology junior Nyasha Chieza said he frequently studies in the Information Commons, but will use the computer room in the Residential Commons after 10 p.m.
He added he understands there may not be a big need for expanding the hours at the Downtown campus.
"But if you want to study at night, you shouldn't be restricted," Chieza said.
The Information Commons has about 40 laptops for students and about 15 quiet study rooms with whiteboards.
Reach the reporter at: jeffrey.mitchell@asu.edu.
