University Library E-News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.