<p>I’d go in the fall just because the weather is a lot nicer then. There’s a lot of ground to cover at LSU, and even with all the shade from the 1000+ live oaks, it’s like a sauna in the summer. Fall is my favorite season here, but every season except summer (fortunately, not part of the academic year anyway) is really pleasant.</p>
<p>As for the library closing on game days, which I know sounds really bad, here’s the reasoning provided by the Office of the Chancellor:</p>
<p>"Issue: If LSU aspires to be a national flagship university, why is the library closed on home football game Saturdays?</p>
<p>Answer: Middleton Library is not always closed on Saturdays of home football games. If the game begins at 7 p.m. or thereafter, Middleton Library closes at 4 p.m. If the home game begins as early as 4 p.m., it closes at 1 p.m. If games begin between 4 and 7 p.m., a decision is made about closing time, depending upon the starting time of the game. If the game begins earlier than 4:00 p.m., Middleton Library does not open. And, of course, the library is not closed for away games.</p>
<p>Tailgating and game-day traffic make it difficult for staff and patrons to get to the library. Staff and patrons usually have to park at considerable distance, and leaving campus is also very difficult, especially with the incoming traffic flow. In addition, there are sanitation, safety, and security issues.</p>
<p>The football Saturday Schedules policy is under Hours on the LSU Libraries home page at [LSU</a> Libraries – 2008/2009 Library Schedule](<a href=“http://www.lib.lsu.edu/admin/hours/index.html]LSU”>http://www.lib.lsu.edu/admin/hours/index.html). For the convenience of potential patrons, the closing notice is posted on the Web site as soon as the game time is known, and many of our resources are available electronically so they can be accessed from off campus."</p>
<p>To be fair, LSU football generates a lot of money for the university. The athletic department is completely self-supported, and they donate millions to the LSU every year. </p>
<p>And yeah, the games are pretty fun. I still don’t understand or like football, but tailgating and going to a game is a blast. I’d try to avoid visiting campus for the first time on a game day just so you can see LSU as it normally is and hopefully avoid parking problems, but if your daughter wants to check out the tailgating scene and maybe score some free Cajun food, go for it.</p>