Cammie Wilks, Campus Carrier features editor
Bella Patton, Campus Carrier asst. features editor
Berry’s Memorial Library sits at the heart of campus with space for every student’s needs. As academics are now back in full swing and students are preparing for their first exams and midterms, the library is the main place for students to study, learn and explore the multitude of resources the library holds.
When most people think of a library, the first thing that comes to mind is often books. While Memorial Library is fortunate to hold thousands of books available for students, it also has many more resources available. Sophomore Charleen Yazo, who holds LifeWorks positions at Java City and the front desk at the library, spoke about all of the resources the library has that students might use, such as laptops, charging ports, charging cables and more.
“A lot of people think that libraries tend to just have books,” Yazo said. “But we have things from short-term laptops to long-term laptops to video equipment, or even if you just need note cards or colored paper, the library’s got a lot of things.”
Students often spend their time browsing books in the library, but there are also spaces for them to hang out with their friends.
There are various different spots in the library that are great for studying. The front is better for hanging out with friends and group projects, but there are also quiet and tranquil spots in the library to get work done. Yazo mentioned the upstairs back area. Positioned away from the busy downstairs floor but still having the library atmosphere that motivates students, it is one of many great areas the library has. There are also various study rooms in the back that students can check out keys for. They are a great resource for students that want to study in a private space that is not their dorm.
The library, being at the center of main campus, is also a great place for students to meet friends and interact with peers. As the library is right next to Dana, Morton-Lemley and Thomas Berry, many students choose to work in the library instead of staying in their dorms or other areas around campus.
“We are told so much about college being a place where you’re able to meet other people, and the library being in the middle of campus is already geographically in such a good position,” Yazo said. “I know in my freshman year, with Mo-Lem being right there, I was in the library a lot.”
Not only are there student workers inside the library, but there are also various librarians who can assist students with whatever they need. Librarians at Berry spend their time planning events to support students and increase engagement, planning SkillShops to help those in attendance refine their research skills and offering 1-on-1 appointments to help advise and supply resources and ideas to whoever may need them. Librarians are devoted to help students at Berry succeed.
I really like learning and being supportive to students of all different kinds of disciplines,” Outreach and Engagement Librarian Morgan Ritcher (17C) said. “In an average day, I might talk to a student about accessing law journals for an assignment, and then another day I might talk about the Bird Flu epidemic that is sweeping the nation. That is wonderful for somebody who loves information. Students have such great questions about the world and why things are the way they are.”
Librarians at Berry try their hardest to accommodate students, despite how many changes to technology and books there have been throughout the years, especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence. Every year, the librarians send out surveys and implement changes as soon as possible to keep assisting students. As time goes on, new students come to Berry and seniors graduate, and the library prioritizes providing a safe and helpful space for everyone.
The second floor of the library houses the Archives, where students can view historic exhibits showcasing Berry’s history.
“We try to pay attention because we think it contributes to student wellbeing and overall student success,” Ritcher said.
Berry’s Memorial Library is a central hub for student learning and studying with a comfortable atmosphere and ample resources. Berry students are always welcome to browse the thousands of books, but there is many more resources in the library that also help support students and let them learn and grow into better people.
“The library was my LifeWorks job in 2013,” Ritcher said. “I’ve walked into this library my entire adult life, and I never get tired of it.”