Musselman Library plans to bring back the old card catalog system (Photo courtesy of Musselman Library).
By Musselman Library
In order to keep things sustainable, Musselman Library is returning to tried and true technologies. Over the next week, the library will be returning to its trusty card catalog, and removing MUSCAT from the website. Students will be able to flip through the hundreds of thousands of cards to find the titles of books that they are looking for – and will probably serendipitously discover other useful titles in the process! This tactile experience is sure to delight.
In addition to retiring MUSCAT, the library will also be removing the printers from the building. No more headaches of your print job not going through, or having to wait in line to grab your paper on your way to class. Instead, you can make use of one of the dozen typewriters that will be replacing the computers on the main floor.
“I am looking forward to hearing the sound of keys typing, and the ever satisfying ring of the bell when the carriage returns on the typewriters,” gushed Meggan Smith at the Research Help Desk.
And for students that may be hesitant to use typewriters, the library will also be offering drop in workshops with calligraphy instructors who will lead students in the time honored tradition of lettering.
Carolyn Sautter, Director of Special Collections & College Archives couldn’t be more thrilled! “Students often struggle reading primary source material written in cursive. The opportunity to learn calligraphy will open many doors in terms of primary source research!”
Professors are also supportive of the change. One faculty member remarked that by switching back to written assignments, students will more likely be able to retain the important material that they are learning. “As my mentor used to say, ‘If you ink it, you think it!’”
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