Students Make Themselves at Home in Morgan Library

With 2.1 million books and quick access to cutting-edge research materials, Morgan Library is the place to study on the Colorado State University campus. But for many students, the library is also the place to socialize, relax, grab a coffee and check their email.

In the Rocky Mountain Collegian’s annual “Best of” issue, CSU students voted the library as a top place to go in between classes. And this past fall, Morgan Library improved its “Best of” atmosphere by completing the first phase of a redesign project aimed at creating a state-of-the-art learning and research environment with a 24-hour study zone.

Thanks to gifts from private donors and $418,000 from CSU students through the University Facility Fee, the library now includes a completely refurbished Electronic Information Center (EIC). The largest computing center on campus features 330 desktop computers, 20 new computer research stations and an assortment of new study chairs, lounge chairs and couches.

The library also has 100 new tables to accommodate four to six students working in collaborative groups, as well as six new group study rooms (including two high-tech presentation rooms for students to work on multimedia presentations and assignments). In addition to dramatically improving and updating study areas, this phase of the redesign added 200 seats to better serve our expanding population of students.

The place to plug in

With more than 330 desktop computers and nearly 200 laptops available for student checkout, the library offers the best access to technology on campus, and it’s open until midnight most days during the semester. “Morgan Library has got the best computers on campus and very fast internet,” says Nathan Clays, a 2008 speech communication major.

The library is also supported by a wireless network, making it an ideal place to plug in and get connected to either the library’s 24,000 electronic journals or your friends. “The library is great for a quick check of facebook and email between my classes,” says Heather Jones, a 2009 fashion merchandising major.

Along with the fleet of computers, the library provides scanners so that students don’t have to use photocopy machines to copy articles or class notes, saving students time, money and paper. “It’s one of the best parts of the library,” says Jones, “and among my top five reasons to come here.”

The library’s computers came in very handy for one student who secured his seat for the World Series this past fall.

The space to study

Any library should be a student’s favorite place to do research, work on papers and projects, and meet with professors and peers. With nearly 300,000 square feet at the heart of campus, this is certainly true for Morgan Library. “I need the library to study,” says Jeff Dillon, a 2008 journalism major.

Yet the library encompasses more than just the quiet banks of study carols and desks that most people imagine. “Today’s students often work together on projects,” notes Catherine Murray-Rust, dean of the libraries. “So we do our best to provide spaces for students who are looking for quiet traditional study areas as well as places to meet, share ideas and work in groups.”

Among the most popular study spaces are the library’s high-tech presentation and group study rooms. The high-tech rooms are equipped with computers and projectors so that students can work on multi-media group presentations assigned in many courses.

The library is also keen on providing creature comforts. It offers a coffee cart, vending machines, couches, an art gallery and an unmatched view of the foothills. “The coffee cart is one of my top five reasons to study in Morgan,” says Clay.

But if you’re looking for an environment with less noise, the deep quiet zone in the basement of Morgan Library is a great place to concentrate.

The place for help

The library is also a valuable resource when you don’t know where to begin on a paper or project and simply need help. The library employs a full-time staff of information experts who can answer questions ranging from where to find a book to understanding why and when you’d want to use a database to find journal articles.

“All papers require research,” says Louise Feldmann, a business and economics librarian who assists students with business-related research for many courses. “And many students don’t know how to use the resources out there or decide which are the best ones to use in their work.” Feldmann is among a team of 10 college liaison librarians who create electronic research guides, blogs and chat online via IM with students to help answer their questions.

The Info Desk is staffed during library hours for walk-in assistance. In addition, students can call in with questions or use the library’s AskColorado, a 24/7 live chat with a librarian. Writing Center tutors also staff the library Sunday evenings to provide help with papers. “It’s where I go to get answers and get help,” says junior Kirsten Grove, who’s double-majoring in psychology and languages, literatures, and cultures.

If you haven’t visited Morgan Library, it’s definitely worth a serious look. You’ll discover why 26,000 people utilize its invaluable resources every week.