Library Webpage

The Priddy Library's webpage was re-designed as a part of the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) website re-design in Fall 2016. Content was merged, revised, and migrated from the previous library website to the current library website over the span of several months, with the launch of the new website in December. The new website is mobile friendly and has features that include a photo gallery, user testimonials, and links to home institution libraries.

LibGuide Migration

With the release of LibGuide 2.0, we started planning the migration from LibGuide 1.0 to LibGuide 2.0. Given the new features, the librarians took some time to discuss how to update content without disrupting the use of the guides for the students. Since 2009, we have been using the LibGuide’s either as course or subject guides.

Course Reserves

Priddy Library launched an open course reserves pilot in summer 2016, which is ongoing. This pilot provides open and barrier-free access to course reserves by eliminating the need for checking out and renewing items. This pilot is a result of an assessment of the circulation and reference activities in an effort to improve services to students, which included the merging of our circulation and reference desks.

Repurposed Library Space

The continuing initiative to improve and repurpose spaces included the addition of new furniture, whiteboards, carpeting and installation of a power grid throughout the library’s central core area. Movable tables of varying configuration and chairs provide flexibility for collaboration and group work and an increase in seating capacity. Installation of the Thread grid under the new carpet brings power outlets close to work and study space in the area.

Workshops

Priddy Library hosted the following workshops over the past year: ArcGIS & Story Maps, Excel, Infographics, PowerPoint, Research Posters, Tableau, Word and Zotero. In an effort to anticipate student needs and interests, we introduced new workshops in the spring of 2017 to include Augmented Reality and Filtering Fake News.

Social Media

Emily Spangler joined the library staff as a Library Services Specialist in 2016. Emily formerly worked at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C. and Scarborough Library at Shepherd University in West Virginia. Her Bachelor of Arts degree is in English, with a concentration in creative writing, from Shepherd University. She is currently earning a Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Maryland, College Park. She likes Sudoku puzzles, reading outside, and anything related to Game of Thrones.

New Staff: Emily Spangler

Statistics

Library

Priddy Library has increased our social media presence to create a distinct personality. The goal is to connect more with the USG student body by reaching them through the social media platforms that they utilize, beginning with Instagram (@priddy_library). Our social media team creates content relating to events and activities in the library, as well as creating fun and interesting posts.