University Library E-News
The Creative Maker Studio (CMS) is a unique department in the University Library that brings together students from all corners of the campus with the shared objective to learn, create, and collaborate. In July 2022, the rebrand from Creative Media Studio to Creative Maker Studio affirmed the department’s status as the Library’s official Makerspace.
This fall, the CMS debuted five brand new services including a vinyl cutting station, creative scanning station with a photo/film and 3D scanner, sewing machine available for checkout and inside a reservable room, multipurpose production room with high-end lighting equipment and backdrops, and a virtual reality room where students can experience VR and work on game development. Back by popular demand, we will also be offering virtual and in-person creative workshops, too!
As previously reported in the Fall 2020 Library eNews, the University Archives, part of the Special Collections and Archives department in the University Library, launched the Documenting COVID-19 project in spring 2021, which, like many academic libraries, endeavors to capture CSUN Matadors’ experiences during this crisis and preserve them for future generations. As the prevalence of COVID-19 appears to be waning, Archivist April Feldman provided the following project update.
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.
With CSUN’s Freshman Common Read Program, the Department of Undergraduate Studies and the Oviatt Library offer an incoming class of highly diverse new students a communal point of connection in the pages of a shared book. CSUN’s Freshman Common Read Program is turning 8 this year. Cheryl Spector, Director of Academic First Year Experiences, began contemplating the idea in 2004. She was inspired at a First Year Experience Conference by similar initiatives at other campuses.
The Oviatt Library will partner with Academic Affairs to present the 7th Annual Research Fellows Colloquium, an event collaboratively conceived by the Library, the colleges, and former University Provost Harry Hellenbrand.
From California to the canals of Venice, Italy, Oviatt librarians Ahmed Alwan and Joy Doan share their impactful research on Microaggressions & Academic Libraries, and discover some darn good noodles along the way.
Our lead story this issue, “People Are Talking about What She Said” commemorates the opening event of the Special Collections & Archives exhibition on women's civic and community engagement. Attending the event, we were very moved by the struggle our foremothers faced in gaining the right to vote, a struggle that people all over the world, including in some parts of this country, still must contend with in order to get to the ballot box. Your vote is precious, and so we’d like to take this opportunity to call attention to what we’re doing at the Library to engage voters as the midterm elections approach.
One of our very favorite events of the year is the annual awarding of scholarships to dedicated student employees on our team. It’s such a rewarding experience we hold close to our hearts, and look forward to each year. Through generous donor support, a $1,000 scholarship is a valuable boost to offset the cost of higher education for students in need.
Contributed by Gina Flores
The CSUN Library, fondly known as the heart of the campus, is tremendously thankful for the amazing student workforce dedicated to supporting our operation during the 2019/2020 academic year. Not only did our student employees make use of the Library's resources themselves, but they also helped to make these resources available to their fellow students, staff, faculty, and community members.
In a recent survey of CSUN students that asked what having the University Library reopening this fall means to them, one commentor summarized the other respondents’ sentiments:
It would mean that I could have a place away from home to study. During the pandemic, it was hard to concentrate at home. Having the option of a quiet area at the library would be a stress reliever for me. I would also get to feel like I am a part of my campus.
So, what is the Library doing to provide quiet study space, that sense of community, and access to resources and services this fall?