Staff and faculty highlights

Making a difference

In December 2021, University Libraries staff members Julie Hayward and Terri Stowers received Western Michigan University's Make a Difference Awards in recognition of their outstanding service to the University.

Engaging students in a new role

Professor Kate Langan transitioned from our Instruction and Outreach team to become our engagement librarian in fall 2021.

"I am excited by this new role because it allows me to help students in ways that extend beyond classroom learning. Student identity is more than a major or class load. My intention is to develop programming that enhances a student's experience beyond the classroom and supports their lifelong goals," said Langan.

Langan will develop programming that engages students and the community in the Libraries, including the Libraries' First-Year Experience program, Common Read events and other skills-based learning experiences.

Continuing to adapt

We were excited to reopen Waldo Library to the public and reintroduce extended evening hours in fall 2021. Students returned to campus, with over 75% of classes having an in-person component, and we were happy to welcome them back to the Libraries. Our staff and faculty continued to offer robust online services for students studying online, including one-on-one virtual consultations, online chat services and skills-based workshops.

Waldo Library continues to be students' academic destination outside of the classroom. We introduced individual study rooms this fall, and they became increasingly popular with students looking for a private space to study. Students also gained access to the skies in our new Flight Simulator Lab, which is free to use for any WMU student.