Librarians Predict Staff Problems When Lamont Opens Until Midnight

Officials at Lamont Library have already begun to plan for the extension of hours later this term, amid some staff discontent at the prospect of having to work until midnight throughout the year, it was learned yesterday.

"I wouldn't mind working once a week until 12," one male staff member commented last night, "but I would certainly object to having to work late more than once a week." Staff members will have an opportunity to discuss any grievances with Library officials at their informal weekly meeting on Friday afternoon.

Of the 22 full-time employees of Lament, there are only three male professional librarians who would be eligible to work during the extended hours. Federal wage and hour laws prohibit late night work for women.

At least three librarians would be needed to process books between 10 and 12 p.m.: one at desk three, and one at each check-out desk on the first and third levels. "You'd need at least one man at desk three," another librarian commented, "because if you didn't allow students to check out reserve books after 10 it would be like dangling meat in front of hungry lions."

But yesterday Philip J. McNiff, Assistant Librarian of the College, did not share the concern of some of Lamont's male personnel over the extension of hours. "It's still . . . a little early to say what complications will arise," he stated, "but I haven't yet heard any reaction on the part of the staff to having to work the extended hours."