The Henry Madden Library is holding open house every day this week to welcome transfer and returning students to Fresno State.
Students are able to meet with librarians who specialize in their particular major while learning about the many different services that the library provides.
“Every year, we focus on a certain group of students,” Hiromi Kubo, public services librarian at the Madden Library said. “This year, it’s transfer students.”
The Madden Library staff opted to hold each day’s open house at a different time in order to fit into students’ diverse schedules. Tuesday’s group met at 2 p.m. Remaining groups will meet today at noon, Thursday at 5 p.m. and Friday at 11 a.m.
Spring semester open house generally attracts fewer students than fall does.
“In the fall, we do tours every day for three weeks,” librarian Ross LaBaugh said. “This is probably the biggest academic library in the California State system.”
Students who choose to attend an open house can register by phone, text, IM or by simply walking in to the library. When they arrive, they are asked to fill out an information sheet, and they are entered into a drawing for a Starbucks gift card. Snacks and bottled water are also provided.
Kevin Ousey is a physical therapy major and Navy veteran who transferred from Fresno City College. He noticed a significant difference in his new surroundings.
“It’s bigger,” Ousey said. “You feel like you have to be more involved in seeking out what you need.”
Kubo said that over 3,000 e-mails were sent to transfer students for the previous semester, the current semester and the upcoming fall semester.
Economics major Alexandra Larralde, who recently returned home to Clovis after attending the University of New Mexico, was pleased with the new library.
“It’s nice and comfortable,” she said.
While the main focus of the open house is on transfer students, everyone is welcome to attend. In addition to Kubo and LaBaugh, librarians Carol Doyle and Amanda Dinsmore were on hand to answer any questions the new students had.
Communicative disorders major Anthony Davis, who is carrying 19 units this semester, was impressed with the library.
“Great job in how they updated the library,” he said.