USU Eastern Library & Learning Commons Spotlight

The SEA Employee Connections Committee brings you this spotlight of our colleagues around the Statewide campus system, including the USU Eastern Library & Learning Commons (LLC) team:

Who is on the LLC team?

• Alexis Gonzalez, Circulation Desk Manager/Student Supervisor
• Stephen Faxon, Production Center Coordinator
• Dr. Michael Harris, Outreach and Statewide Services Librarian
• Aimee Lauritsen, Archives and Special Collections, Building Manager
• Debbie Pearson, Director of Academic Support

There are also a number of student employees and tutors that work in the LLC.

What does the LLC team do?

• Offer Library Services with print books for loan and 24/7 access to e-books, online articles, databases, information literacy tutorials, and many more research tools.
• Offer tutoring services in math, chemistry, biology, physics, anatomy, physiology, biology, and psychology. Tutoring is free to all USU Eastern students. Students can use the walk-in center or schedule one-on-one appointments with tutors.
• Provide a Production Center/Makerspace area where students can create, invent, and learn in groups or as individuals. 3-D printers, plotter printers, lamination machines, scanners, and more are available to students and library patrons.
• Issue the official USU ID card for the campus community. The USU ID card gives students, faculty, and staff access to many on-campus resources, e.g., library checkout, campus recreation/BDAC privileges, IT help desk, discounts at the campus store and with many local businesses and restaurants.
• Provide three study rooms for private or group study. Rooms can be reserved in advance by visiting the Front Desk or online.
• Offer a Reflection Room where students, faculty, and staff may carry out either structured or unstructured meditation, reflection, or prayer.
• House Archives and Special Collections related to local and University history. Much of the collection is unpublished and primary source material. Patrons can access campus publications, local authors work, microfilm, newspapers, photographs, yearbooks, and more.

What impact does the LLC have on the community and/or university?

The impact of a library’s work can be seen in many different ways. The LLC acts as a campus hub where students, faculty, staff, and community members have access to information and resources that help them develop intellectually and emotionally. We provide access to academic research materials, host presentations and workshops on various topics, and support student success with tutoring services and study areas. On the community level, we provide access to books and other resources, including internet access, for those who may not have it at home.

What other teams or departments does the LLC team collaborate with?

The LLC collaborates with and across many areas of campus. Not only do we serve as an academic learning space, our building is used to host community and campus events. That requires collaboration with scheduling, facilities, and dining services. We also showcase academic resources through public tours offered by student services and student leadership. The Production Center works collaboratively with campus departments such as Career and Technical Education to produce learning objects and models. Our Outreach and Statewide Services librarian offers research assistance to academic colleges and departments. We also host outreach events involving members of the community and guest speakers.

What is something the LLC team wishes others knew about what they do?

We wish people knew that the Library Learning Commons isn't just for checking out books or doing research. We are a welcoming place where people can come to collaborate, create, and innovate. In addition to traditional services like book loans and reference help, we also provide access to technology such as 3D printers, scanners, and computers that can be used for creative projects.