Fall 2023 Message from the Dean
Welcome! As we approach the midpoint of the Fall semester, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and to share some important MSU Libraries updates.
I am thrilled to be joining the campus community as Dean of MSU Libraries. Prior to the start of my appointment on Sept. 11, I was dean of university libraries at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. I am proud to have achieved several milestones in the four years I served in that role, including developing a strategic plan for the libraries with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion; overseeing the alignment of the Ohio University Press and five regional campus libraries into the university libraries portfolio; working with campus partners to launch libraries-led, university-wide task forces on research data management and improving student study spaces; and spearheading Ohio University’s joining the HathiTrust, allowing for expanded university access to digital collections and other collaborative academic and research tools and services. Previously I worked in the libraries of the University of Toronto, New York University and Columbia University. I believe all of these experiences will be of use in my work with the wonderful faculty and staff of the MSU Libraries, especially in implementing and maintaining initiatives that support the Libraries’ strategic plan and in working to make the Libraries’ spaces more inclusive and welcoming to all.
Fall semester hours. The MSU Libraries is typically open 24 hours per day on Monday through Thursday, with later opening and earlier closing times on the weekends. This semester the Libraries will be operating outside of our regular hours to accommodate Fall break days during the week of Oct. 23 with regular hours resuming the following week. In November the Libraries will have modified hours Nov. 22–26, and in December the Libraries will have modified hours from Dec. 15 through the end of the year. For safety and security purposes, all students, staff and faculty are required to scan their MSU ID to access the MSU Main Library building between 10:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on Sunday–Thursday. A complete schedule for the Main Library hours is available here.
TGIF database now OA. In September the MSU Libraries’ Turfgrass Information Center is making the Turfgrass Information File (TGIF) database publicly available. This database, which is a cooperative project of the United States Golf Association and the Turfgrass Information Center, can be openly accessed at https://tic.msu.edu/tgif.
New website launch. In August the MSU Libraries launched a new website that offers an updated look and improved functionality, including the new VuFind-based public catalog. In addition to the more modern appearance of the interface, users will find new site architecture for easier navigation, increased functionality to support discovery of library materials and improved visibility of highly used library services and other library information. The VuFindpublic catalog project, which was launched in May 2023, complements the increased functionality of the overall website by providing library patrons a more comprehensive and intuitive search interface. The website is available at lib.msu.edu.
Building construction. In August 2022 the Libraries began working in partnership with brightspot strategy to reimagine our spaces and services to be more responsive to current and future needs of our faculty, staff and students. We are currently undergoing renovations that include installing a new Starbucks in place of the former Sparty’s Café area; construction on 3-East to relocate our Stephen O. Murray and Keelung Hong Special Collections; and reconfiguring 2-West to welcome the MSU Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI). Construction on Starbucks and the CTLI will be completed this Fall semester, while construction on 3-East for Special Collections will continue into Fall 2024. Ongoing updates are available on our website at lib.msu.edu.
We are looking forward to a semester of growth and opportunity, including supporting your learning and research needs! As a reminder, if you are unable to find an answer on our website or would like to speak to someone in person, we are available at our information desks as well as by phone at (517) 353-8700.
With warm wishes for a productive semester,
Neil Romanosky, Ph.D.
Dean of Libraries