McMaster University Libraries is developing new study space for students at Thode.

The University will allocate funding for the renovation 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of
space to be
used to accommodate approximately 400 new study seats at the science and
engineering Library.

The move comes after the McMaster Students Union surveyed undergraduate students
and found overwhelming support for additional seating over an extension of the
Library's laptop lending program. As a result the lending program, which requires
significant expenditures for hardware and staffing support, will be discontinued as of
May 1, 2011. Savings will be reinvested into developing student space and better
supporting technology offered elsewhere.

“Students have said quite clearly that they place a great deal of value on study space in
the Library,” said Jeff Trzeciak, University librarian. “We're happy to be able to provide
more study space at Thode because we know that by doing so, we're helping McMaster
students meet their academic goals.”

In another effort to allow for better access to resources, the Library is also expanding
hours at Thode. The new hours are:

October/November – Sunday to Thursday – open to 3 a.m.

December – 24/7

Feb/March – Sunday to Thursday open to 3 a.m.

April – 24/7