MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s James E. Walker Library recently participated in the ongoing “Get to Know Your MTSU” information series that provides members throughout the Blue Raider community an insider’s look into campus services that they may not be aware of. 

The latest session included information about different programs and resources within the library open to staff, faculty and students. Held in late May, the hourlong event included a tour of the library with emphasis on the University Writing Center, Special Collections, and MakerSpace. 

The series was developed by the Campus Workforce Subcommittee of the Community Engagement Advisory Group. Subcommittee co-chairs Kathleen Schmand, library dean, and Beverly Keel, College of Media and Entertainment dean, launched the information series last fall, with past events focusing on campus safety, employee well-being and recreation, and student affairs and student organizations. 

The Campus Workforce Subcommittee’s goal is to promote greater employee engagement on MTSU’s campus. The Community Engagement Advisory Group, which is comprised of faculty and staff from across campus under the direction of Monica Smith, special assistant to the president for Community Engagement and Inclusion. 

“We really felt that it’s an important opportunity to share the various services programs and spaces that the library offers to the faculty and staff at MTSU,” said Schmand.  

All employees are invited to attend the sessions and learn about all facets of the university they might not be exposed to regularly.  

Library services for employees include: 

• University Writing Center — Located on the third floor of the library, the Writing Center helps writers of all backgrounds and skill levels improve their writing practices. 

• Special Collections — Also located on the fourth floor, the collection is home to rare books. Its mission is to acquire, preserve, and provide access to valuable, unique, and fragile materials, according to the Walker Library’s website. 

• MakerSpace — Located on the second floor of the library, the MakerSpace features technology for creating and designing projects. Highlights of the space include sewing machines, 3D printers, and a flight simulator. 

The “Get to Know Your MTSU” sessions will begin repeating in the fall.

Smith is leading the Community Engagement Advisory Group, which is made up of three subcommittees, in an effort to develop initiatives and programs that will enhance the sense of belongingness and increase engagement among employees at all levels. The group, which was formed in January 2023, is operating under a theme of “Belong. Engage. B.E. True Blue.” 

— Jordan Reining (Jordan.Reining@mtsu.edu)