The Walker Library stands as a pivotal educational asset and central hub for MTSU. In the CY 2023, the library served approximately 537,000 patrons, while its computer labs witnessed 162,033 logins to public computers.
Throughout 2023, the library checked out 2,941 items to students. Currently, there are 80 laptops available for checkout, with either a two-week or three-day checkout period. Notably, during Fall 2023, 808 laptops were checked out. Within the initial two days of the Spring 2024, 85% of laptops with a two-week borrowing period were checked out. Therefore, we are seeking an additional 10 laptops to augment the laptop inventory for student use.
In Fall 2023, students borrowed graphing calculators 674 times, checking out the entire calculator pool during the fall exam period. To meet this demand, we are seeking an additional 20 calculators to increase the checkout pool.
The MakerSpace within the library remains a key priority and the increasing demand requires specialized equipment. The space saw 8,518 logins and 1,186 uses of specialized rooms such as the Presentation/Practice Room, the Easy Recording Studio, and the Podcasting Studio. Therefore, we propose purchasing nine computers to upgrade the existing ones in those areas, along with supplementary equipment available for student use within the MakerSpace.
Finally, the Technical Services desk completed 892 specialized printing jobs for students and patrons, including poster, 3D, and resume printing. To help meet this demand, we are seeking an additional vinyl plotter for larger prints and two 3D printers to facilitate mediated student printing.
