Meeting the needs of over 100,000 visitors each term, Otterbein University’s Courtright Memorial Library is a an energetic team in a multifaceted space.
The academic library contributes to the university’s teaching, learning and research in several ways. By creating a 21st century learning environment that is flexible, the Courtright maximizes its existing space and fosters collaboration. Upgraded tables, seating and computers provide a platform for student success. A repurposed card catalog, the Catalog of Dreams, fosters creative writing and poetry prompts. Rotating displays give academic departments, campus-wide programs like Otterbein’s Common Book, alumni authors and current students more ways to connect and inspire.
By strategically listening and acting, the Courtright Library meets the needs of a modern population. Library users today are much different than those from when the library was built in 1972. Over the summer, the library installed significantly more outlets in study areas and provided tabletop extensions with USB ports to accommodate users’ devices.
Library Director Tiffany Lipstreu, Assistant Professor Jessica Crossfield McIntosh, Administrative Assistant Kirsten Peninger and the rest of Courtright’s team, provide world-class service to all. Academic librarians offer individual consultations by appointment to students at all levels. Further, the library assigns liaisons to academic centers and departments, deepening the library’s relationship with the university. Librarians, like Jessica, have also participated in foreign exchange programs and have shared their new knowledge with the Otterbein community as well as nationally through the Association of College & Research Libraries.
The Otterbein University Courtright Memorial Library is an incredible resource to the university and the community at large. With an active friends of the library group; co-location of important university providers such as Otterbein’s Academic Support Center, Center for Teaching and Learning, and University Archives; and a developing partnership with the Westerville Public Library, the Courtright is a dynamic, 21st century library that nurtures critical thinking skills for life-long learners.
It’s hard to believe summer is coming to an end and school will start again in a few short weeks. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to meet with wonderful school and academic librarians from a variety of institutions.
We thought it would be fun to look back and to catch up with some of our friends at school libraries to learn about their plans for the 2017-18 school year.
Dr. Christina Dorr, media specialist at Hilliard Weaver Middle School, is ramping up for the school year with Cat Days, a two-day orientation that helps students explore the building, learn their schedules and pick up their school books and iPads. The library helps manage the school’s one 2 one program, offering students technical support for their iPads. Once school is in session, Dr. Dorr will provide library orientation classes to incoming middle schoolers and refresh upperclassmen on the library’s role. She provides the students with information about how to access the library’s collections, check out material and ebooks, and opportunities to volunteer and participate in library events.
In October, the school will welcome award winning author Jason Reynolds. In preparation for the event, students have been reading his books and some even met over the summer discuss his works at the local Starbucks. Dr. Dorr is working in collaboration with other teachers to engage the students in anticipation of the event and has planned a number of fun activities that will excite them make for fantastic event.
Dr. Dorr is also looking forward to working with student groups, including the book club, Books and Brownies, and the newly established Gay/Straight Alliance. Dr. Dorr is enthusiastic and energized for the new school year. Her students are sure to have a fantastic year!
Windermere Elemetary School librarian Shannon Hemmelgarn is excited to begin another school year too! Her summer activities have included efforts to keep students reading year-round with the use of social media and in-person book chats. Her summer reading included “Refugee” by Alan Gratz and “Return to Sender” by Julia Alvarez, middle grade stories that tackle issues in today’s world. Shannon shared that this reading can be used to help approach tough topics and start important conversations with youth.
The new school year promises plenty of excitement for Windermere Elementary. Shannon has been working on new curriculum for her students to help improve their information literacy skills (and avoid “fake news”), digital citizenship and responsible technology use. Shannon has partnered with the youth services librarian at Upper Arlington Public Library to provide a story hour for kindergartners and their families. She will work with students of all grades to engage them and reintroduce them to the library.
In April, the district will welcome author and storyteller Mac Barnett. Library lessons will help prepare and engage students for this exciting event. Shannon is also organizing a family reading program, inviting students and their families to read Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo. The program includes activities and contests and will commence with a viewing of the movie. Shannon’s excitement for the year to come is contagious – her students are in for a fun school year!
Thank you to all that are creating learning centers of excellence–we wish everyone a fantastic year! Additionally, check out these other amazing school & academic libraries we’ve featured:
Columbus State Community College Library
Fort Hayes Arts and Academic High School
Mount Carmel Health Sciences Library
The Ohio State University Fine Arts Library
Oberlin College Conservatory Library
OSU Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum
Get to know Leigh Bonds, The Ohio State University’s first digital humanities librarian. Listen in below.
Dr. Leigh Bonds is a digital humanist, textual scholar, and book historian. Leigh earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, and her Doctor of Philosophy in English literature, specializing in Nineteenth-Century British literature, book history and digital humanities. She joined The Ohio State University as its first digital humanities librarian in August of 2016.
Today’s episode was generously underwritten by independent publisher, Two Dollar Radio, whose books are Too Loud to Ignore. Learn more at twodollarradio.com.
Cbus Libraries is proud to participate in The Flyover Fest. On May 13, 2017, hear and discuss perspectives on bookstores and libraries as places of resistance and refuge.
Resistance + Refuge : Bookstores + Libraries
In an environment seen by millions as regressive, learn how bookstores and libraries are places of activism and refuge.
When: 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13
Where: Rambling House, 310 E. Hudson St., Columbus, OH 43202
Who: Angie Sharkey (Columbus Metropolitan Library), Charlie Pugsley (Bookspace Columbus), Linda Kass (Gramercy Books)
Music was generously provided by Correy Parks. See Correy at The Flyover Fest on May 12, follow him on Twitter and buy his music on iTunes. You can stream his album “The Road Less Traveled” at Listen Columbus, a project of Upper Arlington Public Library.
