More Than a Library: Inside CMU’s Park Library 

Story by: Alivia Cranick

Photos by: Beth Nocerini

“I just want people who come into the building to be happy with the experience and get what they hoped out of it,” Associate Dean of CMUs libraries Tim Peters said. 

The Charles V. Park Library at CMU is expanding what it means to be a library, offering students access to technology, academic support and redesigned study spaces.  

While the library continues to provide books and research materials, supporting student success in and out of the classroom is the focus, Peters said.  

“The materials we purchase for the library are designed to support the learning and research that goes on in the classroom,” Peters said.  

One of the most valuable – and often overlooked services is research support. Students and faculty can meet directly with librarians or use online chat services to get assistance when finding sources.  

Peters said using a librarian can save students time and frustration when working on assignments.  

The library also serves as a central hub for academic support services. The building houses resources such as the writing center, math assistance center, and testing center, allowing students to access multiple forms of help in one place.  

The library has also grown its collection of technology. Students can check out laptops for up to two weeks, along with cameras, GoPro’s, microphones and other equipment.  

“We circulate laptops… for up to two weeks,” Peters said.  

This equipment has become increasingly popular, especially for students who need tools for projects but may not have access to their own. 

“That technology… is proven to be very popular and were trying to get the word out to students,” Peters said. 

In addition to new resources, the library introduced updated study environments designed to better meet students’ needs. Renovated areas on the first floor feature flexible seating, private pods and enclosed booths that allow for both quiet and collaborative work. 

“We’re just trying to provide a variety of study spaces,” Peters said, noting that the newer areas are consistently filled with students. 

Traditional study rooms also remain one of the most in-demand features, often fully occupied as students look for quiet places to focus.  

The library has adapted to change in how students access information by expanding online services and digital materials. However, physical space continues to play an important role. 

“I think space is always going to be very popular,” Peters said.  

Although many services are widely used, Peters said some resources – like interlibrary loans and research assistance, are underutilized particularly by undergraduate students.  

One of the services, called “documents on demand,” allows the library to access materials from institutions around the world if they are not available at CMU.  

“I think undergraduate students are necessarily aware… we can get it for them,” Peters said. 

Through this system, students can request books, journal articles or even individual chapters. Many digital materials can be delivered quickly, sometimes within the same day.  

“If it’s a book chapter or a journal article, we get those electronically,” Peters said. “I’ve put in requests and gotten my article, like, two hours later.” 

The services connect CMU to a network of partner libraries allowing students to access far more resources than what is physically available in Mount Pleasant. While physical books may take longer to arrive, digital requests are often fulfilled within hours. 

Peters said the goal is to make sure students are never limited by what is on the shelves.  

“We have a lot of stuff in this library, but if we don’t have it, we can get it from somewhere else for you,” he said.  

The library also remains open to the Mount Pleasant community, offering access to materials, programs and events for those outside of the community.  

As the library continues to evolve, Peters said the goal remains the same, to provide students with the tools and support they need to succeed.