Megan Schmotzer, Lion’s Eye staff writer, mls7350@psu.edu

Most schools in the U.S. have a library available for students. Students recognize a library as a place to check out books, but they may not realize just how many resources the library has to offer.

Brandywine’s Head Librarian, Teresa Slobuski, is busy. Her job is managing the team of workers at the library and acting as a conduit of communication between Brandywine and all the University Libraries. She also manages new book purchases and oversees special projects such as an upcoming refurbishment for the library. On top of those responsibilities, she is active on campus: serving on the chancellor’s commission on LGBTQ equity and as a faculty advisor of the Lion Pride Club.

Having worked at the Vairo Library since 2018, Slobuski has noticed a change in atmosphere at the library.

“Student engagement has really increased. There’s a lot more student clubs that are doing lots of activities. That’s really exciting to see. There’s been a lot of support in student- centered events where students come up with the idea, plan the event, and make it happen,” Slobuski notes.

She has also noticed an increase in student technology. The library is filled with desktops for student use, and many are left unused. Slobuski says she would like to adapt and lessen the number of desktops, instead focusing on adding high-end technology that students don’t typically have access to, such as VR equipment or a high-end computer with an excellent graphics card. She’d also like to add smaller, lower-tech items like sewing machines or basic tools for woodworking, and other things students wouldn’t typically have access to on campus. The library isn’t just about books anymore. This is a growing trend among libraries across the nation as well as Penn State campuses. University Park alone has 14 libraries and they each offer services to students beyond books.

“Books were an expensive technology that people couldn’t afford to have, and that’s why libraries exist. While we still love books, and we’re still going to provide that expensive technology, what other expensive technologies are there?” says Slobuski.

Slobuski would like to emphasize that the library is a place to go for help. Between the faculty staff and the eight student workers, they have the knowledge to direct students in the right direction for whatever project they’re working on. If the student has a question, but they don’t know the answer, the library staff will help the student find that answer.

“If you don’t remember anything else about the library, just remember that we’re a friendly place.”