The UNLV University Libraries will launch Rebel Hours @ Lied Library, a pilot program to provide students with more-secure access to Lied Library during peak late-night hours.

This experimental program has been designed to provide a safe and secure environment for UNLV and other NSHE students studying and working on class and research projects during the busiest days of the fall semester. The Rebel Hours are 9 p.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays, beginning Oct. 6 and running through Dec. 12.

“Students are our heaviest users during these times,” said Maggie Farrell, dean of Libraries. “Rebel Hours provides a more secure space for students who are studying and completing classwork and projects on campus at night.”

During Rebel Hours, Lied Library will only be accessible to students, staff, and faculty of UNLV and other NSHE institutions. Each evening at 9 p.m., the Harmon Street entrance will be locked and library users will be asked to enter and exit through the main entrance. Those entering the building will be asked to show their UNLV or NSHE identification cards (e.g., RebelCard at UNLV).

Guests without a valid UNLV or NSHE ID will not be permitted to enter, with the exception of minor children accompanied by a parent or guardian. UNLV students, faculty and staff without a valid UNLV ID should visit the RebelCard office in the UNLV Student Union.

Many academic libraries offer this kind of secure access as a way to provide a safer and more secure environment that enables students to focus on their school work during the core part of the school week, according to Pat Hawthorne, associate dean of Libraries. UNLV's pilot project was launched in response to student requests.

“As we considered this pilot program, we took the time to consult with CSUN student leaders who felt that this type of program would be great for students,” said Hawthorne. “We also selected the 9 p.m. start time so it would not prevent community members from attending any of our events or using Special Collections & Archives, which is open until 7 p.m.”

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 during the fall semester. For the most up-to-date hours throughout the year at any of UNLV's libraries, visit the Libraries hours page.

The pilot program will not affect services at any branch libraries or the UNLV Law Library.

During the pilot program, the University Libraries will gather input from library users to evaluate the program and determine its success.

For more information on Rebel Hours @ Lied Library, email Pat Hawthorne or call 702-895-4127.