This post was contributed by Lea Leininger, UNCG Health Sciences Librarian, based on her experiences on Friday, January 17, 2025.
So many changes! This post shows what Jackson Library Lobby looked like on Friday, first week of classes. Not many people around in the early morning. To the left, the Reference Desk.
Image by Danny Nanez
This picture is so unposed. See “Places to Study or Work During Jackson Library Renovation” for more formal photos.
I haven’t been on the desk much, but apparently there have been plenty of textbook and printer questions happening. That feels very familiar for first week of classes! BTW, the printers work with documents that you upload to mprint.uncg.edu and a UNCG computer account and ID card. Ask at the Reference Desk for guest printing.
Here’s a view facing in from the windows. This book collection wraps around the bookcases in the center of the room.
Image by Danny Nanez
Here’s the other side of the bookcase. Off in the distance you can see the long counter with Express use computers (no log in needed). Along that left wall (not pictured) are 3 reservable study rooms.
Image by Daniel Nanez
Here’s a close up of the tall counter from the other side. An express computer and behind it (not really visible) a scanner, then a guest printer and one of the self-check machines. If you’re forensically minded, enjoy the “chalk outline” showing where the Reference Desk used to be.
Image by Daniel Nanez
Check out the Check Out Desk!
Image by Daniel Nanez
Book drop, photocopier (not pictured), helpful employee, plants, shelves of Reserves books. At the very back you can see the security gate that sections off the Tower from the Main (original 1950s) side of Jackson Library.
I’ve already fielded Reserves questions this semester. Plus the inevitable “Can you help with online Course Materials link in Canvas?” – that’s not us. Here’s campus bookstore information on First Day Complete. I’m seeing a lot of understanding and patience about these things, which is great.
The next photo includes the Checkout Desk, the big giant head, and the Young Adult & Graphic Novels.
Image by Daniel Nanez
Then more of the Young Adult & Graphic Novels, the door to First Floor Reading Room, and archway to the College Ave entrance. The far corner of that reading room has the 6-TECH walk in help center. They helped me out this morning! I think I was their first visitor of the day.
The next picture shows the paperback collection, the PZs (juvenile fiction), and a few of the seats in the First Floor Reading Room.
Image by Daniel Nanez
There were some exciting moments this afternoon when a group came in to browse the shelves for plays.
The PS section in the lobby isn’t very big. But as they commented “much simpler!” It includes some of the most checked out plays. Other options: Interlibrary Loan for print books (not textbooks) that are unavailable, visit other libraries, and e-resources. For book search methods, I refer people to information on the library guide to WorldCat Discovery. With thanks to coworkers Rachel, Lois, and many others for creating information updates for the renovation. Also I have to commend Wade who was working the Ref desk when the group came in to browse for plays. Great suggestions for online play collections, Wade!
Plus there was a visit from retired coworker Marilyn and from a nursing PhD student. Good times.
Feeling the chaotic excitement and optimism of class week 1 library work during a renovation. Ready for the long weekend and for Martin Luther King, Jr Day of Service on Monday!
-Lea Leininger, Health Sciences Librarian, 1/17/2025