CSU Libraries: Money-Saving Initiatives

CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY — San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) has joined the other 22 libraries in the California State University (CSU) system to launch a new website that features updates on initiatives that include shared services, equitable access and improving learning spaces.

“Students, faculty, staff and administrators all have a big stake in the health, quality and sustainability of their library programs,” says Anna Gold, chair of the Council of Library Deans and University Librarian at Cal Poly. “But they often don’t hear the stories of how libraries work together to save students and campuses money while advancing the mission of the CSU.”

The CSU Chancellor’s Office is investing $1 million in initiatives that will create a next-generation technology platform that integrates many library functions in ways that will enhance user discovery and access. In October 2014, the CSU announced it was preparing a request for proposals to explore platform options that will organize, share, monitor and mine information resources across all 23 campus libraries, giving students and faculty access to more information and resources.

This work is done through System-wide Digital Library Services, which implements new technologies in the areas of information discovery, user-driven content acquisition, integration with learning management systems, and digital preservation. The CSU libraries are sharing their progress through a newly launched website: http://libraries.calstate.edu.

Featured

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • Washington State University Debuts New Engineering Hall

    Washington State University recently celebrated a dedication ceremony for the new Schweitzer Engineering Hall on its Pullman campus in Pullman, Wash., according to university news. The facility measures 66,288 square feet, and its completion marks the first milestone in a larger university effort to modernize the engineering and design district.