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Oviatt Library E-News Fall 2013

Featured: Unveiling the Extraordinary Commons

After years of planning, countless meetings, and months of construction, the Oviatt Library’s dynamic new Learning Commons is ready for its debut, and you are cordially invited.

Although the official ribbon cutting will take place at the Grand Opening on October 3, accompanied by all of the appropriate pomp and circumstance, the beautifully reimagined first floor of CSUN’s Delmar T. Oviatt Library has been buzzing with increased excitement and activity since fall classes began.  “Response from the CSUN community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Dean Mark Stover.

In Protest Icon

What's Up: "In Protest" Exhibition

From the Library’s vast archives, a carefully assembled array of unique items has been brought together to form the Oviatt’s provocative new yearlong exhibit, “In Protest: Shifting Paradigms and Collective Social Action.”

Protest actions-- in the form of boycotts, demonstrations, riots, property destruction, occupations, labor strikes, local activism, or works of art -- have spanned the political spectrum, defined generations, and shaped our uniquely American identity.

Learning Resource Center Logo

Oviatt Spotlight: Learning Resource Center

We are excited and very proud to welcome the Learning Resource Center to  its beautifully remodeled new home in the east wing on the Library’s third floor.

After a very ambitious summer-long renovation that resulted in a wall- to- wall transformation of the third floor’s east wing, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) is happily settling into its new digs in the Oviatt Library. 

Picture of Marianne Afifi

Thanks and Recognition: Marianne Afifi

Associate Dean of the Oviatt Library Marianne Afifi is required to wear a variety of hats. Now, after overseeing months of construction in the new Learning Commons, a hardhat is included. On the long list of responsibilities that fall under the purview of the Oviatt Library’s Associate Dean Marianne Afifi are things like day-to-day operations, emergency planning, departmental oversight, strategic planning, and development. 

Picture of Sarah Sayeed

We Would Like You to Meet: Sarah Sayeed

Originally from Orange County, Sarah began to work at the Oviatt Library in November 2012 after completing her Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. While pursuing her degree, Sarah worked as a Learning Commons Assistant in Cal Poly’s Robert E. Kennedy Library, as well as a Computer Lab Assistant and in the Architecture Department. Her experiences in the library eventually helped Sarah to select library design as the basis for her senior thesis project.

Oviatt Library Dean Mark Stover

Message from the Dean: Expanded Views and a Focused Vision

When entering the newly renovated Library lobby, the visual changes are nothing short of stunning. When standing just inside the front doors on the south-facing structure, patrons now encounter unobstructed sightlines to the long wall of glass windows on the north side of the building. This newly opened view to the outside gives visitors a sense that the massive edifice that they just entered is somehow miraculously floating just above them. 

As the Oviatt looks toward a future that will undoubtedly bring with it new challenges in how information resources are managed and kept easily accessible, this expanded view will be nice and attractive. What will be necessary, however, is a clearly focused vision.