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October 3, 2005
The Benefits of Reeves Memorial Library
“We don’t all wear glasses and
have buns in our hair”
-Helene Ciarochi
When choosing a university, many factors come into play. You must consider the programs available, financial aid, academics, faculty, etc. Another item to look into is your campus library. This may seem trivial, but you will quickly learn that while in college your library may become your best friend. Seton Hill is the home of Reeves Memorial Library. I got a chance to talk to the librarians and go on a tour, so I can provide you with useful information.
General library information can be found at the library’s home page. Instead of providing book names, hours of operation, and other information that is easily available, I decided to focus on what makes Reeves interesting and special. No matter what your major or interests are, the library will meet your academic and personal reading needs.
Special Collections
You may be familiar with the fiction, non-fiction, and reference sections, but did you know that Reeves also has “special collections?” These collections include a Holocaust collection and a newly renovated children’s literature section.
The Holocaust Collection, a private room in the center of the library, helps provide references to Holocaust study. The atmosphere is created through the décor of the room, which includes photographs and paintings depicting the hardships faced during the Holocaust. The room boasts a wealth of historical information in the form of fiction books, non-fiction books, videos, children’s books, and references. The room also has trunks containing an assortment of information, which the library lends out to local schools. Although nothing can take away the pain caused by the Holocaust, becoming informed can have a positive influence on the future. The room provides enough information to satisfy students who are personally interested in finding out more, or those who plan on doing in-depth research.
The library also contains a Children’s Literature Collection. Marcia Pietrala, librarian, acknowledged that this room would not be possible if it were not for Mrs. Catherine Celli. Mrs. Celli, a SHU graduate, “was a wonderful benefactress of the library” said Pietrala. The money bequeathed was used to expand the children’s collection of books, as well as purchase a trapezium, book browser, a reading terrace, and a puppet theater. The room was decorated in the true spirit of a child, but Seton Hill students Brian Blasko, Adam Bonfanti, Sarah Elwood, Cayla Glover, and Michael Diezmos.
You may be thinking, “How will a children’s collection help me?” You would be surprised at just how useful it may be. If you are an education major there is a large collection of children’s literature, which you may be able to use in the classroom. The books may also prove to be beneficial for students majoring in Family Therapy, Psychology, or Counseling. If you are a theatre major you may be able to use the new puppet theater. This summer I used the room, when I helped out with a book day for children. The library was very willing to provide the home for this event. Children from the area spent the day reading, doing crafts, making book marks, and each left with a bag full of books.
Information Literacy Program
The library is a large building filled with countless books, so it may be intimidating at first. How will I find the book I need? Where do I look first? The library takes into account that students may need a little bit of help navigating in the library. With this in mind Reeves Library created the Information Literacy Program. Often times during your freshmen year, several of your classes will travel to the library. When in the library, students will be guided through how to use the library effectively. Pietrala said, “The purpose of the program is to help students be able to identify, locate, evaluate, extract, and employ information.” The program makes it possible for students to learn the necessary skills to be able to use the library independently. Ashlee Lupchinsky, a senior at SHU, finds the program to be very rewarding and beneficial. “After viewing the program, I was able to use the library much quicker and easier. College is a busy time, so saving a few minutes here and there really helps.”
A Supportive Staff
Helene Ciarochi, a Reeves employee, said that, “We don’t all wear glasses and have buns in our hair.” Often times this description is the stereotypical image of a librarian. I promise while receiving a tour, I did not see any buns. The library staff should not be fear, but instead celebrated because it is their aim to make the library available to you the students. Reeves Memorial Library employs 7 staff members, 25 work studies, and a varied number of interns. All of these people work in the library because they want to, and they want to help you. Pietrala said, “Librarians are always happy to assist anyone who needs it!”
The purpose of having a library on campus is to help the students. It is my advice to take advantage of this help. I hope I was able to shed some light on what makes Reeves a critical part of your college life.
Posted by JennaOBrocto at October 3, 2005 3:03 PM