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Fahad Al-Shammari, a graduate curriculum, instruction and media technology major, has difficulty studying at home due to kids; that's why he said he studies at Cunningham Memorial Library almost ten hours a week.

"The library has everything," he said. "It's a good place to study."

Alberta Comer, the acting dean of the library, said the library "provides one stop shopping" for students.

She said along with books and other academic materials, students are able to check out movies, CDs and games, such as DDR and Wii systems.

"A lot of students don't know what we have," said Anthony Kaiser, the head of reference and instruction.

He said students often ask library staff to "'give me a book on it,'" when they don't think to use the databases and articles the library has in addition to the books.

Kaiser said students can ask questions anytime they need to and the library is equipped for live chat and e-mail if students need another form of communicating with library staff other than telephones.

Comer said that the library is opening its coffee shop, The Cup and Chaucer, from June 2 to June 13.

She said that depending upon this trial run, The Cup and Chaucer might open year round.

Lindsay Milam, a sophomore elementary education major, also spends large amounts of time in the library - she works there.

"It's a really good environment," she said. "I think we have a very good library."

Speaking from her experience, Milam said freshmen can have a hard time adjusting to college life, but said coming to the library "is a great way for freshmen to adjust ... to get used to research."

The library is also the location of one of ISU's writing centers.

According to the writing center's informational pamphlet, the writing center helps students improve their writing and brainstorming skills and provides feedback on papers and essays.

Comer said the library will be hosting election discussions both before and after the fall election that she hopes will be "very informative and relevant."

Comer also said the library will be having its annual Library Extravaganza on Sept. 4.

She said library staff will demonstrate library services while offering games and giving away prizes at the Library Extravaganza.

Carol Jinbo, a library associate, said the library offers several benefits to students and heps them "build a sense of community."

"Everyone needs three places: a place where they live, a place where they work, and a third place," Comer said. "The third place used to be the porch or the living room, but the library is becoming the third place [for students]."

( Harold Bosstick can be reached at sascamed@isugw.indstate.edu )

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