Phat Panda Bubble Tea Break in the library
As we reach the end of the semester, I am reflecting upon our first semester in Oxford’s new Library and Academic Commons. It has been an exciting time for our students, faculty, and staff. The library has become a hub of activity for the community including events such as the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting, the student Convocation Party, OWN Oxford and other orientation events, many meetings including student group meetings such as the Student Government Association (SGA), exhibits, poster sessions, classes, study groups, film viewings, Supplemental Instructions (SI) sessions, admission events, and exam breaks such as the Phat Panda Bubble Tea study break sponsored by International Student Programs.
I recently met with the newly formed SGA library committee and had a productive meeting with the committee members, all freshmen. I realized that these students didn’t know what our previous library environment was like because they never experienced the former library. The committee members were interested in learning about and promoting library services, spaces, and technology, having more events in the library, and using the library facilities to communicate other events on campus. I enthusiastically agreed to work with the committee on these initiatives.
For me personally, what has been truly rewarding after planning and fundraising for this new facility for fifteen years is to observe the students day-to-day, happily living, working individually and collaboratively, and learning in this wonderful, transformed library. I would like to thank everyone who worked to make this new Library and Academic Commons a reality for our students – it has made a difference and will continue to do so for the future
I send my best wishes to everyone for a wonderful and restful holiday season.
All my best,
Kitty McNeill
Associate Dean and College Librarian