Oviatt Spotlight: Learning Commons Technology

Side by side Learning Commons Technology and Information Technology bring a variety of new and existing support services for students and faculty to one convenient and centrally located space.  The recently opened Learning Commons is home to a wide range of technology-based support services. And while many of these services were available in the Library’s former layout, they were not always readily apparent or easily accessible. The new, welcoming, open concept design of the Oviatt’s first floor has changed all of that.

Oviatt Spotlight: CSUN Cat People

Squirrels aren’t the only wildlife living in the trees and shrubbery that surround the Oviatt. A small population of feral felines is lovingly cared for by the CSUN Cat People, a volunteer organization that also works to help educate the community.

Oviatt Spotlight: CSU Japanese American Digitization Project

Through the CSU Japanese American Digitization Project, the National Parks Service grants funding that will help the Oviatt Library and some of its sister CSU libraries to archive significant historical treasures.

This three-year effort provides for the digitization and online access of approximately 10,000 documents from over 30 archival collections related to Japanese American incarceration during World War II and the resettlement.

Oviatt Spotlight: Marketing Award

A bold call to action, an eye-catching design, and vibrant storytelling all come together to help the Oviatt Library’s new brochure win a 2016 Communicator Award.

The Oviatt’s newest brochure was created with a few very specific goals in mind: to connect with current and potential patrons; to engage new friends; and to promote the transformative impact of library resources, services, and programming.

Spotlight: Eating the Archives

The latest exhibit from Special Collections & Archives, “Eating the Archives” opened in August 2023. The exhibit explores the way food-related archival materials “preserve community memories while reflecting and engaging with broader societal issues related to identity, representation, and daily lived experiences.”

Spotlight: Students Talk Back to the Library

Every two years, the CSUN University Library sends a survey to current CSUN undergraduate and graduate students. Recently Dr. Laura Wimberley, Assessment Librarian and Chair of the Research, Instruction and Outreach Services Department, shared key findings from the most recent November 2022 survey at a Library employee town hall. We are pleased to share selected highlights from the presentation. The survey was conducted on the Qualtrics platform, with an alternative ADA-compliant version made available. The survey link was emailed directly to a randomly-selected subset of the student body, 10,928 undergraduate and 10,072 graduate students. Of those, 13% responded – the highest response rate yet in the history of the survey – with the response proportionally a bit higher from graduate students, for a total of 1,586 responses.

Spotlight: Building a Quiet Study Lounge

The goal of the University Library’s Quiet Study Lounge as advertised is, “a tranquil place for individual study.” With proper selection of furniture that discourages conversation and allows for a single student to focus on their studies, that goal will continue to be realized.

Spotlight: Everlasting Inspiration - Inside the Library Student Employee Scholarship Program

At the very heart of campus life stands the University Library—a mecca of knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. Beyond being an intellectual cornerstone at CSUN, it also serves as one of the largest on-campus employers, providing meaningful opportunities for nearly 100 student assistants each year. These students don’t just work behind the scenes—they are integral to the University Library's daily operations, from helping patrons to coordinating key resources for the academic community.

Spotlight: Outreach Librarian Brianna Limas

On the front lines of the University Library, Outreach Librarian Brianna Limas plays a key role in community engagement and promotion of the Library. At the heart of the CSUN campus, Brianna is a champion of student growth and success.