An overwhelmingly positive response from UNLV students, along with a reduction in safety incidents, has led the University Libraries to permanently implement Rebel Hours at Lied Library during the spring and fall semesters.
Rebel Hours restricts access to Lied Library to only UNLV students, faculty, and staff, and to students, faculty, and staff from NSHE-affiliated institutions. From 9 p.m. to closing on Sundays through Thursdays, students and faculty will be required to scan their Rebel Card to gain access to Lied Library. Students and faculty from other NSHE institutions will need to present a library card or student ID for admission.
“More secure access to the library was an issue that was discussed often with students and representatives from CSUN,” said Pat Hawthorne, associate dean for research and education at the University Libraries. “While still maintaining public access to our services, the Rebel Hours pilot provided an opportunity to measure how restricting access to building during late hours would impact safety on campus. The results were pretty clear.”
There was a 100 percent reduction in the number of reported incidents after 8 p.m. These incidents include theft, trespasses for violations of the Libraries’ User and Visitor Conduct Policy, hate-related graffiti, arrests for felony warrants, people refusing to leave the building, and behavior and noise complaints.
“Students reported feeling safer in the building in the library after Rebel Hours was instituted in the fall semester,” said Hawthorne. “We received additional feedback that led us to implement some exemptions and changes that better accommodate the needs of our students and faculty.”
Hawthorne credits much of the success to the partnership between the Libraries’ safety and loss prevention department and its access services department, the two units that staff Lied Library evenings and weekends.
“Our weekend and late-night staff have been diligent about working with students and addressing any concerns as they arise,” said Hawthorne.
Guests without a valid UNLV or NSHE ID will not be permitted to enter, with the exception of minor children accompanied by a UNLV or NSHE-affiliated student, staff, or faculty member. UNLV students, faculty, and staff without a valid UNLV ID can obtain at the RebelCard office in the UNLV Student Union.
Lied Library will continue to be open to both the UNLV and general community prior to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and during regular business hours on Fridays and Saturdays (summer hours, holidays, and semester break hours vary). For the most up-to-date hours throughout the year at any of UNLV's libraries, visit the Libraries hours page.
More information about Rebel Hours is available online or by contacting Hawthorne via email or at 702-895-4127.
