Library Field Trip

Assignment Summary

On April 26th I had the privilege of touring the UCSD Geisel Library with my peers. Learning more about the library and it's the pivotal role in research and supporting the campus community.

Reflection

The field trip to the Geisel Library at UCSD taught me about the multifaceted and essential role of a library in supporting a community. In this case, a college campus. Their primary sources and collections are used for research by people across multiple disciplines. My dad attended UCSD and remembers reviewing materials in the archives.

In many ways, this field trip taught me how libraries are essential to the patron’s success and having a memorable experience. Along with ways libraries can meet people’s needs and support them. The UCSD library staff is strongly committed to this principle. They mentioned several efforts to engage students and asses their needs while finding new ways to innovate the services and resources provided. They provide multiple study spaces available from individual rooms to study pods which students can climb into if they prefer that. These accommodate people with different study habits and learning styles. They frequently order new furniture that will meet student’s needs, which is determined through surveys and engaging students who utilize the library.

Along with highlighting the trends and challenges libraries face and the unique solutions developed, the library is undergoing a broad digitization and scanning project to make sure primary sources can be accessed by anyone. They are following the trend of digitization in libraries. They are also making sure resources are being provided via ebooks, which follows the trend in Google books becoming more relevant. In many ways, the Geisel Library is a good example of an institution that understands the relevant trends facing libraries and is developing solutions to address them. At the heart of this is understanding what students need in order to be successful and have a memorable experience. This is a key question we should be asking ourselves as library staff and technicians. Patron engagement is essential for a library to be successful and developing a connection to the community it serves.

My goal going forward would be to follow their example of being “patron focused” while developing solutions to new trends and challenges. Realizing that these trends are always in motion, as librarians, we need to always be learning, building on our knowledge and asking important questions. That is one of the reasons why the UCSD Library is so successful.

Library services available for Patrons

Study Spaces

One of the most important functions of a library is providing a space for students to work and study. The Giesel Library has a variety of options available. They are organized by floor.

https://library.ucsd.edu/visit/study-spaces/index.html

(here’s a link for a complete listing of spaces).

For example here are a few options for study spaces available for students

The 24 Hour study space (2nd Floor of the Library)

This floor is open all day and night and includes a coffee shop and even treadmills for students to use in between studying. However many of the services are not available between 11 pm and 7 am. It is one of the most populated floors with very little free space available. The resources available underscore its designed with patrons(students) in mind. This is for students who need to work or study all night

https://library.ucsd.edu/visit/study-spaces/overnight-study.html

Quiet Study areas

This has complete silence, no talking allowed

Group Studying

There is an active learning lab which groups can reserve for group projects.

https://library.ucsd.edu/visit/study-spaces/collaboration.html

Providing textbooks and E books

Textbook affordability is something many students struggle with.

Ebooks are becoming more relevant in libraries. The Giesel Library allows students to check out e-books on a variety of topics.

https://ucsd.libguides.com/ebooks

Media tools

This includes everything from cameras(film) to video cameras. They not only provide students with the equipment but also have film development rooms, film editing software, and black light rooms. Allowing students to utilize this tech for the people who can't afford to purchase these items.

https://library.ucsd.edu/computing-and-technology/tech-lending/mediatools.html

Each one comes with a manual as well so students know how to operate them successfully.

Destress activities

The UCSD Library provides students with several ways to de-stress from their work.

Stress is a serious issue that student’s experience frequently.

According to a 2008 mental health study by the Associated Press and mtvU, eight in 10 college students say they have sometimes or frequently experienced stress in their daily lives over the past three months. This is an increase of 20% from a survey five years ago.

https://www.stress.org/college-students

They provide a variety of ways for students to de-stress.

https://library.ucsd.edu/visit/de-stress.html

Assessing Patron’s needs

The Giesel Library undertakes a number of efforts to engage students and to find out how the library can meet their needs. Which include the following;

Student outreach events

Library Student Advisory Council

https://library.ucsd.edu/about/library-student-advisory-council.html

Students apply and are selected from a variety of clubs and organizations on campus. Including Associated Student Government.

The council is tasked with the following responsibilities.

• • Members convey student needs, concerns, and priorities to the Library

  • Members provide advice and feedback on library policies, services, and spaces

  • Members share ideas and input on the design and implementation of new library services

  • Members share insights into student study, research, and Library use habits

  • Members help communicate information about Library services and resources to the student community

Students can contact the council directly with their concerns via email along with the Associate Librarian’s email.

Collections

The Geisel Library has several unique and important collections of primary sources for supplementing research.

Some of the collections I wanted to highlight include the following

Dr. Seuss's illustrations and writings

https://library.ucsd.edu/research-and-collections/collections/special-collections-and-archives/collections/the-dr-seuss-collection.html

The Library has one of the largest collections of Dr. Seuss's writings. Donated by Ted and Maureen Guisel who was an important part of the college. This includes writings, notes and several of his illustrations. From his books to political cartoons drawn during World War 2. Many of which are on display in the library. This collection is for viewing only due to the fragile nature of the items on display.

Poetry Collection

https://library.ucsd.edu/research-and-collections/collections/special-collections-and-archives/collections/archive-for-new-poetry.html

UCSD has a large collection of manuscripts and works by American poets. Which includes notebooks, drafts, recordings, and magazines. They include a range of poets and writers. The collection receives frequent donations. Some of which are released after a period of time at the request of the previous owner of the collection. The librarians also need to review, catalog, and scan the materials. Which a take time if a collection has hundred’s of documents. Which is common with donated collections, which can include a multitude of documents.

California and The History of The West

https://library.ucsd.edu/research-and-collections/collections/special-collections-and-archives/collections/california-and-history-of-the-west.html

This collection covers several subjects pertaining to the history of California. It includes notebooks, manuscripts and most importantly journals from prominent citizens in the early days of California. Some of the items are from the Gold Rush Era while others are from more recent times. Including a collection of complaints from Hispanic immigrants from the late seventies to the present. Offering an important and modern lense to these documents.