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Library opens round-the-clock haven for study by Cindy Abole Public Relations During the 2000-2001 school year, MUSC students won't have to wait for extended library hours to forage around and find a quiet place to study with their peers. The MUSC Library has established a new haven for all students to accommodate their study needs 24-hours a day, seven days-a-week. It's called the 24/7 Room.          Starting in August, students were invited to explore and settle in a special area of the library that allows greater freedom for them to study independently and in collaborative groups. The 24/7 Room is open to all MUSC students, residents, interns, fellows and clinical associates round-the-clock using a student ID card and proximity card reader.    MUSC students and staff were issued a new universal identification badge which allows access to specific areas and buildings around campus, including the new 24/7 Room.   “Because the area has 24-hour access, it's much more efficient for students as well as our library staff,” said Elizabeth Connor, assistant director of Libraries for Public Services and Education. “We wanted to create a room where students can study and collaborate with other students. It's important that everyone feel safe and secure in this area at any hour of the day.”    For Library Services, the creation of a 24-hour study area has been on the books for awhile. According to Connor, the library is open to staff and students for about 113.5 hours per week.   “That's generous compared to other academic health science institutions,” Connor said.    During exams, the library is open for extended hours. It wasn't until more space adjacent to the library became available that the plans for such an area became finalized. Early planning involved the library's collaboration with the Department of Public Safety and the Student Government Association.    The plan also supports the increasing need for students to have continuous study time. For example, College of Medicine students are now allotted up to four to five days to prepare for a major exam.    According to Public Safety representative Lt. Bob Waite, communications commander, the idea of creating a secured study room fits the department's long-term plan to activate more proximity card systems around campus. This keyless, controlled-access system is currently being used at the College of Nursing, College of Health Professions, Vince Mosely Center/Enrollment Services, and other areas around the hospital and university. For additional safety, Public Safety has also erected a security camera outside of the room for continuous monitoring.   “Students are glad to have the support of library services and the university on this project,” said Will MacDonald, Student Government Association's (SGA) vice president of academic affairs and a  third-year College of Dental Medicine student. “We've heard nothing but positive things from many students.”    The 2,000 square foot area houses four enclosed study rooms, a large study and lounge area. The room's artsy, decorative furniture is both functional and cozy. A separate computer room is outfitted with both Mac and PC systems and a printer.    The 24/7 Room will be monitored under the same rules as the main library including the relaxed food policy, according to Conner.