In a move which may foreshadow the creation of a permanent 24-hour library, Cabot Science Library will open its doors at 10 a.m. on January 5 and not close them until 5 p.m. on January 24.

Shuttle buses will also run around the clock for students using the library during reading and exam periods.

Although Cabot has stayed open until 3 a.m. in the past during reading and exam periods, this will be the first attempt at a 24-hour library.

The experiment, approved by Dean of the College Harry R. Lewis '68, comes in response to student demand, according to Lynne M. Schmelz, librarian of Cabot Science Library.

But Schmelz said there are currently no plans to extend the schedule into next semester.

"If there is sufficient student demand, we will look into the possibility of an extension," Schmelz said. "Cost is still a concern, and this is why we are on a trial basis."

Schmelz estimated that the additional operating cost of a 24-hour library service, which includes staffing, custodial services, security and building costs, is about $15,000 for the upcoming reading and exam periods. Additional funding will also be necessary to extend the shuttle service.

Nancy M. Cline, who was appointed Larsen librarian of Harvard College in October, was a driving force behind the implementation of this experiment, according to Justin D. Lerer '99, a student member of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Library Committee and an Undergraduate Council representative.

"Cline spoke with students about the 24-hour library, found it to be a reasonable idea and received confirmation from Dean Lewis," Schmelz said.

Cline was formerly the head librarian of Penn State, which allows 24-hour access to at least one library at all times.

Lerer, who is a Crimson editor, said the Undergraduate Council also played a major role in the decision.

"I don't think without the U.C. doing work on this it would have happened," Lerer said. "I think this is something students really want and now they have it, so I hope they use it."

Cabot Library workers will keep track of the number of people studying at the library and shuttle drivers will record statistics on shuttle bus use, according to Schmelz.

These statistics will be used to determine if there is "sufficient" usage to warrant permanent implementation of a 24-hour library system, she said.

Cabot was selected because of its central location and the security provided by the guards stationed in the Science Center at night.

Lewis and Cline could not be reached for comment yesterday