The Advance

Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Molly Suter

Libraries are no longer a place for just books, more and more libraries are expanding to accommodate the shifting paradigms for technology. Fifty years ago, people would never imagine libraries as a place for the advanced technology offered in many libraries of today.

Our very own Memorial Library is joining the bandwagon and keeping up with the demands of technology. This year, there were twenty-two new computers with adjustable screens added in Memorial library, all with free internet. Students are also allowed to print materials free from the all across campus. Angela Allen, librarian at the KWU Memorial Library, stated in her interview that, "It's all been a lot of fun". Lately the Memorial Library has been expanding it's traditional role to many lighter, more enjoyable aspects.

The library now offers DVD check outs to the students. It is a versatile collection from popular choices such as "Oceans Thirteen", "The Matrix" and "the Lord of the Rings" to classics such as "Citizen Kane" or special interests for classes. DVDs check out for one week. Angela Allen encourages everyone to stop by and at least take a look at the selections, she stated, "We even have more on the way, such as "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You Got Mail".

Memorial Library is also a subscriber many databases for students. Students do not need to be on campus to access these resources, they can be accessed long distance via my KWU. There are a wide variety to choose from to fit every need and is available twenty-four hours.

The library also offers many fiction and paper backs for students to use for some light, fun reading. They also receive many of the collections from award winning children's authors. They have all the Bill Martin, Corretta Scott King, Para Belpre`, Newberry Award winning children's novels. Teachers are also able to hold books for their classes.

There is also a vast periodical collection for the students available only for in house use. Memorial Library is subscribed to many fun and education magazines such as "Wired", "Newsweek", "Mental Floss" and "People" just to name a few. There is also newspapers available, such as "The Salina Journal", "Topeka Star" and the "Wall Street Journal".

Two years ago, the library also purchased a microform scanner to accompany the microfilm machine. It allows students to access very old papers, as far back as the late 1800's and scan them to discs or jump drives as opposed to the old fashioned printing.

Memorial Library has two professional librarians on staff in addition to 8 to 9 work study students. Angela Allen stated, "We currently have work study hours available and it's a fun job if you enjoy the library atmosphere".

The library is also open eighty-two hours a week. "That's more than any other KCAC school", stated Angela Allen. With that many hours, it's a good idea to at least go and check out the library. Allen also stated, "We do have good things upstairs and a lot of good books in our library that are underrated."

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