EDITORIAL:Computing conundrum

University officials should investigate further options for potential late-night computer labs. At present, the only labs open to all students throughout most of the night are located in Harrison House, the Towne Building and Van Pelt Library's Rosengarten Reserve. For some 20,000 students who must use computers regularly for their classes, this handful of computers is far from sufficient. In searching for an alternative computer lab in the center of campus that could be open to all students at all hours, the newly refurbished first floor of Van Pelt seems like the most practical option -- at least until the completion of the Perelman Quadrangle project, which should provide another 24-hour lab space. Of course, extending the hours of the floor would require additional staffing. But if the Rosengarten exit remained the only access point, the additional security would be limited. Given that some of the current restrictions on computer labs stem from concerns about misuse, we also hope to see the installation of a University-wide authentication system in the near future. But until that happens, officials should seriously consider the possibilities for increasing late-night computing options.