The A-level of the Joseph Regenstein Library is open 24 hours a day from Sunday at 10 a.m. through Friday at 10 p.m. during the academic quarter. During the hours the building would normally be closed (1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Monday - Friday), it serves as the site for the Library's all-night study space.
During interims and the summer quarter, the Library does not provide an all-night study space.
What hours is the all night study space open?
The A-level is open from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. This reading room, along with the rest of the Regenstein, closes at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Who has access to the all night study space?
All registered students, faculty and staff are allowed to use the all night study space during the extended hours. Individuals must have a valid Chicago Card to use the service.
What do I have access to on the A-level between 1 a.m. and 8 a.m. Monday through Friday?
You have access to a large number of individual study spaces, as well as 16 group study spaces, and the USITE/Regenstein cluster of 16 Windows NT workstations. In addition, 5 WebStations, deployed by NSIT, are located on the floor. You can use these stations to check email and surf the web. The Library also has 4 workstations on the floor that you can use. A networked print station is available on the floor, allowing you to print for a small fee from any of the workstations.
In addition, the reading room houses a small collection of general encyclopedias and dictionaries, and the Regenstein collection of University of Chicago disserations and theses.
Is the Maclab open during the extended hours?
No.
Are other areas in the Regenstein open during the extended hours?
No, all other floors are closed. In addition, the bookstacks are not accessible. Even the photocopier in the hallway leading to the A-level bookstacks is behind locked doors. In addition, the doors on A-level leading to the main passenger elevator bank and the main staircase are alarmed and not accessible.
How can I access the all night study space after the Regenstein has closed?
To access the A-level reading room after the building has closed, you need to ring the Regenstein's outside doorbell. There is a doorbell on the east entrance and another doorbell on the south entrance (specifically, on the door to the east of the revolving doors). The building's after-hours attendant (located at the entry control desk on the 1st floor) will admit you upon presentation of your Chicago card and direct you to the starirwell leading to Ex Libris. You need to scan your ID at the card reader. For authorized users, this unlocks the door into the stairwell. After taking the stairs down to Ex Libris, you must walk through the seating area of the canteen and exit through the wooded double doors in the northwest corner of the canteen to get into the A-level proper.
A library attendant is stationed at the entrace to the reading room. You must show the attendant your Chicago card. He will scan the barcode on your card into a computer. This allows the Library to track the amount and length of use of the all-night study space. Accordingly, this data entry is very important to measure actual use.
What if I'm already on the A-level at 12:45 a.m. when the alarm sounds to clear the building and I wish to remain on the floor?
You are welcome to remain on the floor. You will be required to show your Chicago card to the attendant who will scan the barcode on your card into a computer log.
Please note that after 1 a.m. you are not able to access any other area within the Regenstein Library proper. Accordingly, please make certain that your bookbags and belongings are on the A-level at closing.
What if I'm on another floor of Regenstein at closing and wish to enter the all night study space?
If it is after 12:45 a.m., you need to exit the Library proper and enter through the stairwell at the west end of the lobby. This requires that you scan your ID at the card reader at the door leading to the stairwell to Ex Libris. After taking the stairs down to Ex Libris, you must walk through the seating area of the canteen and exit through the wooden double doors in the northwest corner of the canteen to get into the A-level proper.
Anything I should know about remaining on the A-level during the all-night study hours?
Cleaning staff work on the floor at some point during the early morning hours. Staff vacuum during some of this time, and create other noises as they go about their work. This cleaning must take place during the early morning hours.
Is Ex Libris, the student canteen, open?
No, but vending machines with food and drink are available in the canteen.
Do I need to do anything special when I wish to leave?
Upon leaving, your are required to again show your Chicago card to the A-level attendant. He will scan the barcode on your card to sign you out on the computer. Also, when leaving, you are required to show your books and/or book bag to the attendant who will check library materials to make certain that they are properly charged.
Are buses and/or the late night van service available?
Buses run until 2 a.m. Sunday - Wednesday and until 3 a.m. Thursday - Saturday. An on-demand van service, the University's SafeRide program, runs from 5 p.m. to 4.a.m. Sunday - Wednesday, and 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. Thursday - Saturday and is available to students, faculty, and staff located between 39th and 64th streets and Cottage Grove and Lake Shore Drive. The vans operate on a "first-call, first-come" basis. Call 702-2022 to request service. Umbrella coverage is available at anytime (including after the late night van service has stopped and before daybreak) by calling University Police at 702-8181. The first available patrol car will be dispatched to accompany you as you walk to your destination.
To whom can I address my questions and/or concerns about the all night study?
You can contact us at all-night-study@lib.uchicago.edu. Alternatively, you can contact Jim Vaughan, Assistant Director for Access & Facilities.