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MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Activity and Energy at the MCC Libraries


Do libraries still serve a purpose? Why do we need library buildings, collections, and staff when students think they can find most of the information they need online?

At MCC, the libraries, like so many other institutions, are indeed changing with the digital age. The MCC Libraries staff provide students with tools for connecting to the global community via the Internet, reliable information resources, and services to empower users to navigate the digital landscape.

The MCC Libraries’ current technology offerings include:

-  109 desktop computers
-  60 portable computers (laptops and netbooks)
-  9 electronic reading devices (Kindles and Sony Readers)
-  15 iPads

The MCC Libraries offer 24/7 access to digital content on and off campus to MCC students, staff, and faculty:

-  85 electronic databases with nearly 50,000 unique full-text journal, magazine, and newspaper titles
-  More than 44,000 e-book titles through services like ebrary and EBL
-  182 online research guides to point students to subject- and course-specific resources

Although many library resources are electronic, the MCC Libraries’ physical collections still include 148,000 print books to accommodate users who prefer that format. Some MCC students have limited computer access, and e-book vendors have not yet perfected user-friendly interfaces to their products, so the MCC Libraries will have print materials for many years to come.

Gate counts for the MCC Libraries show students still gather there to work on assignments and explore research interests. The physical space in both MCC libraries is heavily used; in September, for example:

-  Almost 52,000 patrons visited the LeRoy V. Good Library (500 an hour at our peak times 10:00am – 2:00pm Mon-Friday) and nearly 16,000 visited the DCC Learning Commons, for a total of almost 68,000 -- enough people to fill the MCC Theatre 123 times!

-  Students used library study rooms 1,398 times at Brighton and 42 times at DCC

So are libraries antiquated?  The opposite is true.  We are bursting at the seams! Students rely on our services more heavily than ever, and the MCC Libraries continue to grow, change, and add vibrancy to the MCC community. It’s no wonder the exciting discussions about the new downtown campus on State Street include an expanded Learning Commons--or that the MCC Master Plan includes a new library and learning commons for the Brighton campus.

Stop by the library at your campus and see the exciting changes that are taking place. If you have comments or suggestions for your libraries please let us know. Email Mark McBride, Director of Library Services, at <mailto:mmcbride17@monroecc.edu>, or call him at 585-292-2321.

Mark McBride
ETS: Libraries
11/08/2013