5 minute read
The Atrium
Inside Walker Library
With its expert staff, dynamic collections, and electronic resources, Walker Library is the University’s hub for study and research. But the library is also the place where students come to mix and mingle, learn, and discover new ways to work together.
The library also has an active exhibit and event program. In partnership with various University departments, student organizations, and local groups, Walker Library displays collections and historical objects and hosts cultural events and concerts. Here's a look at recent news and events.
MORE ROOM TO STUDY
One of the most striking changes that Walker Library has undergone in the two years since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is the reorganization of several spaces throughout the building to better accommodate MTSU students, faculty, and staff. In addition to the furniture changes throughout the library, rooms have been reorganized, resulting in more dedicated study space as well as an expanded area for the library’s Digital Scholarships Initiatives team.
In the spring, the library continued this progress by adding a video recording studio complete with a green screen and lighting setup as well as a fully-loaded podcasting studio.
MEETUPS AT THE MAKERSPACE
After taking a break from in-person events for more than a year and a half, the Makerspace returned with its popular Open House and VR Night events in the fall semester.
Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff flocked to the second floor as many reacquainted themselves with the space, enjoyed demos for equipment such as the 3D printer and the laser etcher, and in some cases, strapped on a headset to experience a virtual reality environment.
FIRST AMENDMENT FREEDOMS
As MTSU’s Constitution Week got underway in September 2021, Walker Library partnered with the Free Speech Center on campus to put together an exhibit showcasing the freedoms granted by the First Amendment. “Free to Be: the underappreciated, underknown and absolutely unprecedented First Amendment” was put together with MTSU’s own Ken Paulson and Emily Flood of the Free Speech Center. The panels were designed by student graphic designer Hien Phan.
REWARD FOR STUDENT WORKER
Last fall, Walker Library was proud to award its inaugural Student Assistant Scholarship to Emma Lloyd, who currently works in the Womack Curriculum Collection.
Lloyd, who is pursuing a Forensic Science degree, has plans to attend medical school. The aid from the scholarship gift will allow her to focus more on her research and internship activities that are necessary for graduation.
Emma Lloyd, inaugural recipient of Walker Library's Student Assistant Scholarship
“Emma has been with us for two years, and she has been a tremendous help,” said Victoria Frosheiser-Spurlin, who supervises Lloyd in the Curriculum Collection. “She is such a hard worker in both her classes and at work. She’s friendly, upbeat, and knowledgeable. I know I speak for all of the supervisors in Curriculum when I say that we all enjoy working with her and are so proud that she’s been awarded this scholarship.”
Lloyd credits the flexibility of working in the library as key to her academic success.
“I am aware of many students who work at jobs that do not allow for flexible schedules and with managers who do not understand or respect the amount of time that succeeding in college takes,” she said. “I can make my schedule to allow time for homework, studying, and taking exams. I am never called in to work during a class, and I can take days off for finals if needed. This helps me do well in school, which will in turn help me get into medical school and succeed professionally.”
ROLLING OUT THE WELCOME MAT
As the campus returned to full capacity in summer 2021, Walker Library returned to its full commitment to numerous University events. CUSTOMS has been a staple of the library calendar for years as staff from Walker Library set up at the annual orientation sessions to welcome incoming students to campus—on some occasions for the very first time. Whether they’re just looking for a friendly conversation or have questions about what the library can do to help them in their studies, it’s a highlight of every summer.
In addition, the library continues to be involved in various other events across campus, whether it’s serving to welcome students to the semester at an information tent the first week of the fall semester or setting aside time to do more extensive building tours with students from abroad or from the Honors College.
TRUE BLUE FLU SHOT CLINIC
Walker Library once again played a pivotal role in the health of the MTSU student population as Student Health Services put together a pop-up flu shot clinic on the first floor. For the second consecutive year, the library proved a popular destination for the vaccination program, with more than 100 shots administered over the course of the day.
POP-UP BOOK EXHIBIT
The Womack Curriculum Collection and Special Collections collaborated in spring 2022 for a new exhibit highlighting the usage of three-dimensional and popup books in helping promote literacy. “Literacy in Motion: Using Moveable Books to Develop Children’s Reading Skills” ran through the entire semester. The fourth-floor exhibit featured a number of pieces from the Dimensional and Artists’ Books collection, which is housed in Special Collections. This collection encompasses examples of fine letterpress printing along with artists’ books that alter, question, or play with the conventional experience of reading or otherwise using the book.
