Baker University’s Collins Library has new technology, job openings, “bibliotherapy,” and more for students this fall. With the Director of Library Services, Melanie Massey, leading the innovative changes, students and faculty can expect to see some exciting new things happening in the library.
One significant change students can expect to see this fall is the hours of operation.
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, the library will be open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Saturday and 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Massey said Monday through Thursday and Sunday evenings are busier, while Friday evenings are the least active. Massey, who joined Collins Library in September 2022, has a significant background in K-12 schools, making her the perfect person to bring new life and fun to the Baker Campus.
With her experience in library services, Massey has brought many unique activities into the Baker world.
One of the most notable activities she leads this fall is the “Book Tasting,” located on the second floor of Collins Library. Massey says the Book Tasting is “a way for students to explore what we have to offer and allows me to discover what they want to see more of.”
Cynthia Miranda, a junior at Baker and library assistant for the last three semesters, expressed how excited she is that Massey is getting more fun books this year. “I like that Melanie is getting more books this year. She is really focusing on bringing in more luxury books instead of just academic,” she said.
Miranda also mentioned really enjoying her time as a library assistant because she gets the opportunity to explore new books, work with great people, and is able to get lots of homework done in her downtime.
Massey stated there are more popular fiction options than ever, offering students a new type of therapy, “bibliotherapy.” Bibliotherapy is “a therapeutic approach employing books and other forms of literature, typically alongside more traditional therapy modalities, to support a patient’s mental health,” according to Psychology Today. The hope is that students will find something to connect to and bring them a little joy.
In addition to various book options, the library has added a 3D printer to its list of resources available to students. Massey referred to the new setup in the library as the “I-Lab,” which stands for both “innovation” and “ideas.” This innovative technology is free and available to all students, no matter their experience level. Beginners or those experienced in 3D printing are encouraged to play with the program.
Miranda, an Elementary Education major, will be part of one of the first classes to explore the new printer. Miranda said working with the printer is listed in her syllabus for Elementary Language Arts, but she is unsure just how it will be incorporated in the semester. She is anticipating the opportunity to explore it in depth with her class.
Anna Holmes is one of the newest staff members to join Collins Library. Holmes is a Reference and Instruction Librarian who started and runs the library’s first social media account. @CollinsLibraryBU is on Instagram for students to follow and engage with when they need assistance. Holmes said the primary purpose of this new account is to be a “point of outreach targeted at students, especially incoming students.”
Holmes also hopes to utilize the social media platform to highlight happenings and new features within the library. This includes the library’s new “Reserve Shelf” that offers students a new way to save money by supplying a copy of every required textbook shared by professors for up to three hours and the latest job openings.
With all the latest changes implemented, Massey’s goal is to fill every seat in the library in a day. “I am really excited to help the library be a relevant place for students to be creative,” Massey said.
