As studies kick off for the spring semester, students are encouraged to take a closer look at Concordia’s Schroeder Library, and take advantage of its abundant resources, support and events. 

“The library has made a ton of changes over the past year. I doubt students or even faculty know about them all,” said Regina Powers, Library Director. "First, inside the library, on the lower level, we have added a rotating display of student artwork. Last semester we exhibited artworks that illustrated passages from scripture. Our next exhibit will highlight the artwork from Digital Photography students.” 

“The library has [also] made several updates that will improve the CUI online reading and research experience,” said Powers. “For example, through our new CUI Boundless account (https://cui.boundless.baker-taylor.com), we have thousands of new ebooks and, even better, audiobooks. Also, students who have downloaded our new Lean Library extension won't be limited to researching only Schroeder Library's resources. Instead, they can search on Google Scholar, PubMed or another platform of their choosing.” 

Students can take advantage of the expanded and improved database research experience, and Concordia librarians are available for assistance if needed. “If we (the library) have the article they are looking for on that platform, the Lean Library extension will direct them to it or to the open access article,” said Powers. “If the article isn't available through either one of these options, then the extension will prompt them to submit an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) request. Then we (librarians) will find and email the article to them — all from the same platform.”

“We have a lot of pretty cool features, but I think my favorite part about the library are the private study rooms,” said Mariana Ruiz, a senior student worker in the library. “I think it is great that students have a private place where they can study and do their homework without any interruptions. I highly recommend that students check them out, personally it has helped me a lot focusing and finishing my work faster.”

 

“In my opinion, there are a lot of new resources that we have incorporated to the library in the past few months that are extremely helpful,” said Ruiz. “We added a new ‘Popular Section’ with a big selection of people's favorite books about fiction, romance novels and many more. I think this resource is underutilized because not many people are aware it exists, but I have found very interesting and fun books to read there.” 

“While the majority of the library's collection is non-fiction and focused on academic curriculum, we hope this section will be beneficial to students who might need an escape,” said Powers. “What better way to de-stress than to read a delicious print novel?”

Last August, the library also hired Yvette Murillo as a new Instruction/Outreach Librarian. “One of the library's goals is to help students have fun learning and exploring,” said Murillo. “This semester, we are excited to provide students with a variety of workshops, book clubs and end-of-semester events to de-stress from finals!” 

“First up, is our monthly "Eagles Shelf Book Club" on Sundays where students can try out new books in the collection to discuss,” said Murillo. “Our themes for the book club change every month. For January, the theme is Fantasy; February - Fiction; March - Mystery; April - Travel.” 

This library is also launching the ‘Eagle’s Path: Philosophy & Faith’ book club for monthly discussion on religion and theology.” 

“This club will take place on Mondays and will cover a variety of topics with several book selections to choose from,” said Murillo. “We are also starting a Digital Discovery Series of workshops that will take place virtually on various Thursdays. Students who attend the Digital Discovery Workshops will learn how to save a ton of time when researching, no matter their subject or assignment.”

The library will finish the semester with fun events like an escape room, Team-Trivia, and Stress "Reducktion." Students who participate in-person will be eligible for an end-of-semester opportunity drawing for prizes.

“Yvette has been working very hard on planning some fun events for students to be able to have fun and have a little break from all responsibilities,” said Ruiz. “For more information about all of our fun events, students can follow the Schroeder Library on MyCUI app and our Instagram page (@concordiabiblio), where they can find all the information and details.”

 

Tags: Library, community, Book Club

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