Since online classes started, Brown Library has continued to be open to serve students who are here in Abilene. With businesses asking employees to work from home, and schools going online, it has been difficult for local internet providers to keep up with demand.
The library has gone to great lengths to provide an environment that complies with social distancing while giving students needed access to internet, printers, and quiet places to study. “Some of our students have claimed “their space” and we see them every day. Others come in one day, and then don’t come back for a week or so. We have students who are here to do class assignments, a couple are writing their thesis, others are studying for the MCAT. Almost every student who comes to the library expresses appreciation for the measures we are taking so that we can stay open,” says Melinda Isbell, Research and Instructional Services Librarian.
Dr. Marisa Bead, Interim Dean of Library Services and Educational Technology shares, “I am grateful to all of the faculty and staff who have continued to work onsite so that we are able to offer library access to our students, faculty and staff. Without their willingness to be present we would not be able to offer our current on-premise services.”
Brown Library would like to thank Larry Cook, the library’s designated WFF employee who makes regular rounds cleaning tables, chairs, doorknobs, stair railings, and bathrooms. Without him, the library would not be the safe place students need to be successful during this extraordinary semester.
Pictured here studying in the library are seniors Natalie Waldron and Ava Pancamo.