Vandalism in the Library Link early Saturday morning reduced the only 24-hour study area on campus to shambles and suspended student access until Monday morning.

The study area, which is maintained by library personnel, was left in a state of disarray after the act of vandalism sometime between 2 a.m. and noon.

Chairs were piled up haphazardly, tables upended, lamps and garbage cans knocked over and potted plants overturned and uprooted.

Dirt from the plants was strewn over the center of the room, and a dry yellowish powder discharged from a fire extinguisher coated the entire floor and stairway.

"It was just one big mess up there," said Akiko Terai '05, who reported the damage after coming to the Link to study early Saturday afternoon.

While the cleanup and investigation procedures lasted only about four hours, library staff kept the area closed for the rest of the weekend while waiting for feedback on what should be done in response.

There are currently no known suspects in the incident.

The Link has been the target of similar acts of vandalism over the years, most recently early last semester.

The relatively short span between the two most recent occurrences hasLibrary Director Terri Fishel and Director of Security Terry Gorman considering possible changes in security or hours of availability.

While Macalester students have benefited from 24-hour access to the Link for 15 years, Fishel said that she and Gorman will be considering what options they have to prevent this from happening again.

Gorman suggested installing video cameras as one possibility but said that at this point they are not changing anything.

Dean of Students Laurie Hamre, who would have some say in any changes, said it would be unfair to students to close the Link because of the actions of a few offenders.

She noted, nevertheless, that "if any more vandalism on the Link does occur, we will have no choice but to close it when the Library closes."

Gorman also expressed dismay over the costs that students pay with vandalism. "I'm sure it's a very small number that do this but it costs everybody," he said. "It's frustrating to have to fix stuff that should last for a long, long time."

Currently, students must use a dorm key to gain access to the Link after regular library hours.

The library doors were locked at 10 p.m. Friday night and opened at 10 a.m. the next morning.

No known permanent damage was done. Monetary costs of the damage are limited to replacing a missing fire extinguisher and overtime custodial pay.

Any student with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Terry Gorman at the Physical Plant office.