It’s closing hour at the Ellis Library. With trembling fingers, this is where many groggy students have confronted their trek home.

Ellis Library is a sanctuary for dedicated students, but the inconvenience of packing up at closing time and switching locations isn’t ideal. However, starting this fall, the library will accommodate even the most nocturnal college student.

Beginning Sept. 8, Ellis Library plans to unveil a new 24-hour study space. The space will be called “24/5” because the library will continue to close at midnight Friday and Saturday. Previously, the administration planned to allow the Missouri Students Association to vote on a [new student fee](https://www.themaneater.com/special-sections/starved-and-constrained/) before the 24-hour study space opened.

This fee, which would begin at $5 per credit hour and gradually increase to $15 per credit hour, would allow for larger and more expensive improvements. Since the library serves the entire campus and the fee applies to all students, it must be approved by student referendum.

“This was something we could do to really meet the needs of students and demonstrate how much we hear them, and how much we want to work with them,” MU Library Associate Director Ann Riley said. “We know they live in a 24-hour environment, and we look forward to them coming and being studious.”

The first and second floors of Ellis will be open overnight and the Bookmark Cafe will close at its usual time. Riley is currently working to install a new coffee and vending machine downstairs for the overnight hours. The cost of the 24-hour space this fall is estimated to be approximately $50,000, Director of Advancement Matt Gaunt said.

“Librarians by their very nature want to help people, that’s why they get into it,” he said. “This fee is really about being more responsive to our users. We’re committed to this 24-hour space, fee or not, and we’re going to do everything we can to be responsive.”

According to the Association of American Universities Public Libraries data, MU Libraries spends $607.03 per full-time student, while Kansas University Spends $975.54 and the University of Florida spends $1,157.63 per student, about 50% more than MU.

While Riley and Gaunt aim for this vote to be a grassroots student movement, students themselves have a variety of opinions.

“I think it’s a great idea,” junior Kelley Aubuchon said. “Especially because it’s quieter here, and students have late evening classes. I think it will be worth the fee.’

Sophomore Anthony Blocker would also be content with the change, though he may not use the space, he said.

“I would rather have the Rec (open) 24 hours,” Blocker said. “If I have to type a paper at 3 a.m., I’ll probably be in my bed. But I think people will definitely utilize the library.”

Others don’t believe that the study space will sustain itself past this semester, unless the fee passes. Others take issue with the fee altogether.

Sophomore Romanus Hutchins doesn’t agree with the mindset behind the fee.

“It’s hypocritical for an institution to charge you for studying overnight,” Hutchins said. “I can just study in my room.”