John B. Coleman Library set up a new information and welcome desk Tuesday, Sept. 12.
The desk is located in the center corridor visible to library users as soon as they enter the library.
“There’s always been a concern that when you first walk into the library, we have this long corridor but there was nothing to tie together all of the points of information. This desk will be the center of information and students can stop there to see where they need to go next,” said Dr. Rosie Albritton, director of university library services.
The desk is full of information and general student needs. Students can receive maps of the library and the campus, general library information, and information regarding library use policies.
“It’s a good place to stop on any visit to the library whether you want to know where a department is or any campus information. We have bookmarks, pens, anything one would need,” said Albritton.
The main concern of the new desk is to serve the students.
“It’s a concept that was developed several years ago for academic libraries to increase quality service to the campus communities. It adds an additional point of contact for all library users. For this library, it proves a fourth point of public service in addition to the reference, circulation, and periodical desks,” Albritton said.
The desk will be staffed close to 50 hours a week by librarians and library assistants; it is equipped with its own laptop and cell phone.
“They [staff members] can show students how to navigate the Web site and they can call ahead and let any department [in the library] know that they’re sending someone to their unit,” said Albritton.
“It’s exciting to be able to be another source to the library and help people get the information they need,” said library assistant Angela Johnson, who had the honor of operating the desk on opening day.
Students noticed the new desk as they entered the library.
“It looks like it will be helpful. I’ll probably use it a couple times. I didn’t use it today but I definitely will the next time I come in here,” said freshman criminal justice major Corinthian Scott.
The needs of freshman students were also addressed by other students. Junior criminal justice major Stacie Scott said, “I think it’s a good idea especially for the freshmen who don’t know where everything is.”
Senior Dwain Stewart said, “It’s pretty good because you don’t have to run around and find somebody or stand in line at the other desks. It’s right in front and now you don’t have any excuse not knowing where information is.”
The desk is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, 3 p.m.-8 p.m.