Library Employees Guide Students Toward Success

The Library is one of the largest student employers on campus. From internships to student assistants to the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience, the Library provides students with innumerable resources and opportunities to learn and grow in college.

In particular, the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience exemplifies the Library's commitment to helping its students. Designed for first-generation freshmen, this program offers eligible students the opportunity to gain valuable experience, earn a wage and receive guidance from a Library employee as they adjust to college life.

As a Library student employee, participants earn $8.75 an hour performing tasks such as, but not limited to, office work, sorting or shelving library materials, checking books in and out and assisting with patrons. Aside from these jobs, students are taught workplace professionalism, exceptional customer service and organizational loyalty.

Elaine Weese, a freshman from Omaha, Nebraska, majoring in Sports Management, is a participant in the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience. She works as the metadata assistant in Library Communication Services. Elaine views her mentor, Holly Luetkenhaus, as someone she can confide in.

"I like how I can sit down with Holly and just talk to her about college or my life in general," Elaine said. "She is someone who helped me transition to college."

Not only does the First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience benefit the student, but the mentor also learns things along the way.

Throughout the past year, Holly, assistant professor in Undergraduate Services, has had an amazing experience coming to understand the needs of first-generation college students.

"It has helped me become more sensitive to the needs and questions of our students, especially those new to the university," Holly said.

As a mentor, Holly has seen Elaine grow as a determined, optimistic and persistent young woman.

"Over the course of the last year, those attributes that she brought in with her have only strengthened," Holly said. "She has set goals for herself and mapped out her path to achieving them. It has been a joy to watch her settle into her classes, sorority, work and friendships with such grace and strength."

The transition to college can be daunting for any student. It is important that incoming freshmen have someone to look to for guidance during this period of change. For first-generation college students, the Library mentor program is a premier opportunity to embrace change and seize every opportunity available. Between the paying job, applicable professional experience and mentor relationship, this program can help skyrocket students' college careers to success.

"It helps build stronger ties to the students, the Library and OSU. The First-Generation Student Employment/Mentor Experience helps contribute to that 'family' feeling that everyone hopes to find while in college," Holly said.  

Who was someone that helped you adjust to college life? Comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

How Mixed Reality Can Enhance Learning at OSU

Mixed reality is the latest way that people can utilize the virtual world. Mixed reality, or MR, allows users to enhance their actual surroundings with virtual elements, apps and interactive illustrations. Microsoft has recently unveiled the Microsoft HoloLens, its version of MR technology. 

The Library is always seeking new resources and innovations to further students' education. According to Rikiyah Fletcher, the Library emerging technologies intern, MR could be the next resource to be added to the Library's vast collection of technology.

"I think of it as an investment in our education more that just a feature offered in the Library," Rikiyah said

Mixed reality offers more than just entertainment. By supplying the user with an interactive 3D visual in their own environment, MR can be used to take education to the next level. Engineering, architecture, graphic design, art, computer science, interior design and medical-related majors can all benefit from mixed reality in the classroom. By wearing the MR headsets, students can interact with lifelike diagrams of the human body, visualize what a future building may look like and so much more.

All of this being said, is MR worth the cost, especially if the Edmon Low Creative Studios already offers virtual reality? One Microsoft HoloLens headset with the necessary hardware and warranty comes to about $5,000, but with added cost comes added use. 

"MR offers much more than VR, such as simple things like Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, Skype, SketchUp and many more," Rikiyah said. "MR and HoloLens capabilities will continue to grow and due to this, many more opportunities to learn, explore and create will be offered that VR will not be able to do."

In alignment with the Library's mission to expand the learning potential of students, MR can help enhance how students learn, interact and understand class curriculum in a more immersive way.

What is one way that you imagine using mixed reality at OSU? Comment your thoughts below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

Library Internships Spotlight

The Library's primary goal is to act as a resource to expand the learning potential of students at Oklahoma State University. This mission is apparent in all aspects of the Library and the resources it offers students, including internships. The multitude of Library internships provide opportunities for students to expand their resume and gain real-world experience in their field of choice.With many internship positions opening up at the end of this semester, it is time to shed a bit more light on the variety of paid internship opportunities at the Library.

The graphic design intern works with Library Communication Services to design collateral for various Library events and projects. Students majoring in graphic design, strategic communications and marketing are considered for this position. The graphic design intern is responsible for various designs including promotional event pieces, fundraiser materials, and print and web advertisements. All of the projects completed during the internship can be added to the student's portfolio.

The event communications intern promotes Library events. This intern supports each and every event by leading social media efforts, maintaining multiple event calendars and organizing venue details. The events communication intern also writes press releases and other Library website copy. Strategic communications, agricultural communications, marketing and HRAD are all majors that may be particularly interested in this position.

The emerging technologies intern collaborates with various Library departments to stay up to date on the latest technology. In doing so, this intern serves as a brand ambassador for the various technology available at the Library. The student promotes Library tech in many ways, including roving guidance, pop-up demonstrations and participating in events such as Tech Tuesday @ 2. Many different majors are considered for this position, including marketing, engineering and education technology.

The podcasting intern works with the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program to brainstorm, draft and execute engaging podcasts related to OOHRP content. As the podcasting intern, the student has the opportunity to research Oklahoma state history and gain experience with recording technology required to produce a podcast. Students with experience using SoundCloud and other social media platforms are encouraged to apply for this exciting and creative position.

The 3D printing intern helps develop the Edmon Low Creative Studios and its resources. In this position, the student maintains the 3D printers, assists fellow students with creative projects and manages tech equipment. Working with 3D printing and related technology allows the student to gain applicable skills and understand how advanced technology can be utilized in an educational environment. Any student that has experience with creative technology, particularly 3D printers, are welcomed to apply.

The archives social media intern is responsible for promoting the Oklahoma State University Archives through its social media accounts. Compiling press kits, producing feature videos and leading Facebook Live videos are just a few things that the archives social media intern handles from start to finish. Students in the School of Media & Strategic Communications are encouraged for this position, as it requires proficient AP style writing and social media management skills. Agricultural communications, marketing, history and MLIS majors are also encouraged to apply. This position is a way for students to practice handling legitimate business social media accounts in full.

The botanical illustration intern is an example of the Library creating a student opportunity from a special project. This intern's primary job was to identify and organize botanical drawings in the Bellamy Parks Jansen Collection. Students majoring in Botany and Horticulture were considered for this position. The project has been completed and the internship is no longer available, but be sure to look out for more Library internships as new projects always arise.

From social media to history to engineering, students of all majors can find professional opportunities at the Library. Each internship is dedicated to furthering the education of the student in innovative and creative ways. In addition, all Library internships are paid and may be considered for needed class credit. If you are looking for a job with flexible scheduling and viable work experience, be sure to apply today!

Which internship were you most surprised the Library offered? Comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

User-Generated Content: Your Questions, Answered

It's no secret that social media is a much more significant marketing tool now than it was five years ago. Whether it be Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat or some combination, companies and brands worldwide are expanding their reach by establishing social media accounts in order to remain relevant in today's progressive tech world. This new era of business has produced a marketing element we see every day but may not recognize: user-generated content or UGC.

So what exactly is user-generated content? According to social media management service Sprout Social, UGC is a "source of content crafted by a consumer, social media follower, fan or influencer that lives under your brand’s properties."

UGC is a efficient and authentic way of publicizing a brand through a third party. Thanks to retweets, likes and shares, ordinary people all over the world are able to connect both with each other and the brands they care about. Below are a few of the ways I work with and have seen the benefits of Library-centered UGC.

Location: Library Lawn

On Instagram, users can tag their posts at certain locations. Library Lawn is a popular location option on campus with significant post traffic from all sorts of people on campus. For example, during homecoming week students and alumni alike posted awesome pictures of themselves with friends and family who were celebrating America's Greatest Homecoming. My favorite type of post on Library Lawn usually comes from prospective or future students who are visiting for a tour or recruiting day! The Library Lawn Instagram location is a wonderful collection of posts from all types of OSU fans making memories at the heart of campus.

Hashtags: #EdmonLow and #OkStateLibrary

Hashtags are also useful tools on social media for people interested in viewing categorized content. Some useful hashtags that I search are #EdmonLow and #OkStateLibrary. By searching these hashtags, I am able to view any posts having to do with OSU Libraries that are tagged with them. From there I can sift through what people are talking about and pick out a funny tweet or photo to feature on digital signage. From impromptu workout videos on the third floor of Edmon Low to words of encouragement during finals week, hashtags are a great way to see what people are doing at the Library.

Mentions: "Edmon Low"

This form of UGC is any text that is typed and posted, no specific hashtag or location needed. In addition to mentioning the library, people may also tag the Library account in the post. Both of these types of UGC are considered mentions. As far as Library coverage, I can search anything from "Edmon Low" to "finals," depending on the time of year, to see what OSU students are doing at the Library. Mentions are very useful because they streamline a form of feedback that Library management may be unaware of otherwise. Complaints and suggestions about Wi-Fi, uncomfortable temperatures and disruptions in Edmon Low are often tweeted about. Once I see such tweets, I can direct the content to facilities management or other necessary staff member to be addressed.

My time as the Electronic Communication Intern at the Library has taught me how crucial UGC is to connecting with the target audience on social media. UGC opens up the door for brands such as OSU Libraries to interact with their audience and foster a personal connection. If someone tweets about the Wi-Fi not working, the Library will typically respond to the tweet to collect more information and assure them that the issue is being addressed. Even small acts such as this can create a relationship between brand and consumer that can have a lasting, beneficial effect.

 Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

OSU Libraries spread holiday cheer!

The Library is, as we all know, the heart of OSU's campus. It represents the knowledge, innovation and spirit of this university. The holidays are no exception. During a time in the school semester when students are often stressed, the Library helps ease the worry of upcoming exams and spread holiday cheer throughout campus. With the chaos of finals, I think students often forget that this time represents so much more than wrapping up another semester. It's the holiday season!

Fanfare of Lights

The Fanfare of Lights is an annual community event that takes place in front of Edmon Low. At this event, OSU choirs and instrumental groups gather to entertain attendees with classic holiday songs. Burns and Ann Hargis recruit Santa and Mrs. Clause to help lead the crowd in a countdown to turn on the campus lights. When they reach zero, the switch is flipped and all of OSU's Christmas lights turn on, illuminating the campus with a festive orange glow. After the lights are turned on, people head to the Student Union for hot chocolate and pictures with Santa or walk around campus to snap a picture with the orange lights.

As a cosponsor for the Fanfare of Lights, OSU Libraries helps get both OSU and the city of Stillwater in the Christmas spirit.

Campus Holiday Lights and Decorations

As a student, I look forward to the campus holiday decorations every year. From the garland on Edmon Low to the Christmas trees in the gardens that light up in synchronization with classic holiday songs, it's as if the holiday spirit is tangible on campus. The decorations definitely help make the walk to class, the Library or a review session much more enjoyable for students during pre-finals and finals week.

Holiday Bell Songs 

Picture this: an over-caffeinated, exhausted student walking on campus to their next final. What do they hear during their trek? A comforting Christmas carol thanks to the library tower's bells. This is a common reality on the OSU Stillwater campus during the holidays. Whether it's on Twitter, over text or even out loud, Oklahoma State students sing praises for the festive twist on the traditional bell tower tunes.

Do you have a favorite holiday memory on campus? Be sure to comment below!

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

DSLR Cameras: The Newest Edition to Edmon Low Creative Studios

Yes, you read that correctly.

Edmon Low Creative Studios has added three DSLR cameras to its collection of Tech to Go. The cameras are available for three-day checkout and come with a battery charger, a USB cable and an SD card. There is also additional tech gear that can be checked out on an "as needed" basis.

DSLR cameras are the perfect way to step up your photography game. But how?

Teryn Moorman, a junior at Oklahoma State University majoring in strategic communications, has a DSLR camera of her own. She received her Canon Rebel T6 in December 2016 and has gotten good use out of it since then.

"I definitely use it a lot in the summer when traveling. I took it to Barcelona this past summer and got to capture some wonderful memories," said Moorman. "I use my camera for things like trips, fundraisers and sorority events such as Bid Day."

DSLR cameras are ideal for capturing memories and milestones in a high-quality snapshot. The advanced technology of DSLR cameras makes an iPhone camera pale in comparison. DSLR cameras are not only great at capturing cherished moments, but also for taking class projects to the next level. Many major programs, such as strategic communications and multimedia journalism, consist of project-based classes. DSLR cameras are the perfect resource to guarantee the best results for assignments and even portfolio work.

"I had to create a brochure about OSU for my graphic design class, and the professor strongly encouraged us to take our own pictures," said Moorman. "My camera was perfect to use for that assignment."

If you're considering purchasing a DSLR camera, or if you're interested in learning more, be sure to head to the Edmon Low Creative Studios in Room 105 to use them for yourself.


Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications

OkState Yearbook Collection

The OSU Libraries aims to make learning and research information readily available for students, faculty and citizens alike. The Oklahoma State University Yearbook Collection is one of the countless ways that OSU Libraries achieves this goal. With over 80 editions, the collection is a thorough resource about the university and it's history.

From 1910 to 1991, Oklahoma State published an annual yearbook that detailed activities, clubs and current events that happened on campus that year. Each edition varies based on the time period and what was going on in the world at that moment. It's fascinating to see how changing eras are reflected in the design, writing and pictures of each yearbook.

In 1944, during World War II, the yearbook was printed with a silver metallic Statue of Liberty on the cover. In 1974, the yearbook cover was a light blue denim material with bubbly lettering. My personal favorite is the 1988 edition, when the cover was printed with hundreds of people's faces in black and white.

The tangible publications are located in the Peggy V. Helmrich Browsing Room on the second floor of Edmon Low. Toward the back wall, they are on the right shelving unit and are available for anyone to look at throughout the day while in the Browsing Room. In addition, the yearbooks are on display in the foyer of Edmon Low every year during the week of homecoming. This is an ideal activity to engage OSU alumni as they return to celebrate the homecoming season.

All yearbooks are also digitized online, so that anyone may access the yearbook collection from any computer. The books can be viewed through the OSU Library website, where a specific edition can be selected and "flipped through" electronically.

During homecoming week this past October, I realized the yearbook collection is much more than a group of old books. Even as I was setting up and taking down the display, people would approach the table and ask about certain editions. Students, faculty and staff alike could be seen perusing the collection, looking for relatives or friends from the past.

It's important to be aware of the history in order to understand the present and prepare for the future. The Yearbooks are an intriguing window into the history of Oklahoma State University that will continue to unify the Cowboy family for years to come.

Posted by Tatum Wallace, Electronic Communications Intern for OSU Library Communications