CSULB University Library Tour

by Marisa Reyes

On Friday, May 22, 2009, twenty SJSU-SLIS students participated in the California State University, Long Beach University Library (CSULB) tour which took place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The engineering librarian, Hema Ramachandran, did an excellent job at organizing the tour. The presentation began with a welcome by Dean Roman Kochan. Following, Hema gave an informative presentation about the CSULB Library’s statistics, collection, organizational structure, and library program committees.

Following the presentation, students were provided a complimentary drink from Dean Kochan at the new library Starbucks. Vicky Munda, Access Services Coordinator, then led half of the group onto the ORCA tour. ORCA, the robotic storage system, is an innovative system that stores a large portion of the collection that could be accessed by submitting an online request. ORCA is primarily used for less frequently circulated materials, such as monographs and bound journals. After the second group completed their ORCA tour, Catherine Lewis Ida, Director of Outreach for the Children's Collection, led the group through the Children’s collection. Students had the opportunity to learn about the functions of the children’s collection in an academic library setting.

The tour continued into the Special Collections Department. Archivist Kristie French gave a wonderful explanation of the mission of the Special Collection and its users. Visit CSULB's Special Collection to view a full descriptive listing of the materials held. The collection included pieces by Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Daumier, Virginia Woolf, and several more. One of the highlights of the tour was the rare fore-edge book. Kristie brought out a fore-edge book which had an incredible painting on the edge of the book which could only be seen when the pages are fanned. When turned around and fanned the opposite way, another painting could be seen. For a demonstration of what a fore-edge book looks like, click here.

The tour was concluded with lunch at the Nugget Grill and Pub on the CSULB campus. Participants had the opportunity to socialize and discuss classes, experiences, and future goals. Hema answered questions and provided students with helpful tips and advice. The tour was a great success and provided participants the opportunity to become familiar with the academic library system. A special thanks goes out to Hema Ramachandran for organizing the tour and to Dean Roman Kochan who provided complimentary Starbucks and lunch to all of the participants. Visit CSULB University Library for more information.

Organizing a LISSTEN library tour was an awesome opportunity to build connections with librarians and students. Anyone who is interested in planning a library tour can contact LISSTEN co-President Matthew T. Davis. If interested in attending the next library tour, keep an eye out on the SLIS ADMIN emails. Tours fill up quicky so respond ASAP.

Marisa Reyes, LISSTEN co-treasurer for the L.A. hub, worked with Hema Ramachandran to organize the CSULB tour. Currently, she is a children’s librarian at South Pasadena Public Library and a college assistant at Pasadena City College Library. She plans to graduate from the SJSU-SLIS program in December of 2009.

Pictures were taken by Susie Quinn, one of the participants on the tour.