The SCC library has always been more than a place for books and studying—But updates and upgrades in the last couple years, including a 3D printer, new study spaces, a revamped library of things, and improved table-top game and DVD collections, are bringing the space to the center of all facets of student life.
To show off some of the library’s new spaces and offerings, staff held the first-ever library open house on October 21, inviting students, staff, faculty, and the wider community to get a firsthand look at the opportunities available.
“The library of things is crazy,” said James, a first-year nursing student who stopped in to the open house between classes. “The amount of things they have is amazing, from gardening tools and kettlebell weights to specialty baking equipment. There’s a lot of stuff that’s expensive to buy and you might only use once or once a year, so it’s cool to be able to check it out from the library.”
Saphire, a Biology DTA/MRP student, was excited about the possibilities for the new 3D printer. “I didn’t know this was here, but now that I do I will definitely use it,” she said. “3D printing isn’t just for plastic, they’re starting to use it for medical purposes like printing tissue and organs . . . a lot of different students can learn from this.”
While the library has a serious academic role at the college, including offering courses and a certificate in Library and Information Services, it’s also a place where students can connect with each other and find new hobbies and interests.
“There’s a very dedicated Dungeons and Dragons group that meets here on Tuesday afternoons,” said Kelsey McCartney, the library’s Circulation Manager. “They’ve even used the 3D printer to make miniatures for the game. Wherever students’ interests are, the resources of the library are here to meet them.”
Although not permanent features of the library, a zine-making station, Lego building table, and a selfie booth with pro lighting rounded out the attractions at the open house. The Hagan Foundation Center for the Humanities on the library’s second floor normally hosts a speaker series and events focused on integrating liberal arts, humanities, and technical programs, but for the open house hosted free pizza and a screening of Interstellar.
In a dimly lit side room off the main library space, attendees got a look at study tools they may not have considered before. “We call these study plants,” said Erin Smith, SCC’s Assistant Dean for Arts and Sciences who oversees library programs. “They’re actually knitted plants you can check out as a ‘study buddy.’ Research has shown incorporating a tactile experience—like touching a knitted texture—into studying can be helpful.”
The room showing off the study plants also featured a station where students could access study playlists created by staff and faculty.
Said Smith, “The library is here both as a place of instruction and a student-facing space.” It is also a public, open space accessible to the wider community. “If you’re not a student, staff, or faculty, you can’t check out materials—but you can get a guest account to use the computers, and the space is open to all.”
Learn more about all the programs, services, and offerings at the library and discover how the library is a part of every facet of student life at SCC.