Lights On in Lamont

In the past, many an undergraduate must have gazed into the darkened interior of Lamont Library at night after 9:45 or on Sundays, and wished fervently that every College administrator would pin these words above his desk and meditate upon them daily. Then the undergraduate would sigh hopelessly and trudge back to his dormitory, often to join in the noise-making that prevented concentrated study. To this student, it must have seemed that the Library existed for the convenience of its staff. His demands for longer Lamont hours were met with the explanation that keeping the Library open would be prohibitive financially and that the staff would be unwilling to work overtime.

To this long-suffering soul, Paul Buck's announcement yesterday must have appeared a godsend. The Director of the University Library, in saying that he "sympathized with the undergraduate request for longer hours," also indicated that he would move to extend Lamont's hours if the necessary funds could be found. Despite the addition of the conditional clause, Mr. Buck's stand is a gratifying indication that University policy towards Lamont hours has taken a turn for the better.

While the announcement does not give a definite promise that Lamont will immediately begin to meet the needs of the students it serves, the statement is a good omen to those who must use its facilities. The financial problem represents a sizable stumbling-block, but could be partially overcome if students were allowed to replace regular employees at the checkout desks during the extended hours. Many job-seeking undergraduates would welcome the chance to work at times when classes do not meet.

Closing desk three and using student help at checkout desks may lower Lamont's operating costs considerably. If this saving can justify extension of Library hours, the studious undergraduate may soon happily view acres of neon gleaming through Lamont's glass walls.