For the 85 first-year architecture students who recently utilized the Makerspace, the experience added an exciting dimension to their regular curriculum. May Khalife,
Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture and Interior Design, teamed up with Sarah Nagle, Creation and Innovation Services Librarian, to bring this opportunity to life.
“I remembered that we had this great facility that we don’t use and it’s relevant to what our students do,” said May. “I realized it’s such a missed opportunity.” First-year students often start with traditional, hand-drawn work, but May realized that utilizing the Makerspace would allow her students to incorporate the digital aspects of 3D modeling and building, giving them a leg up. While architecture students gravitate to the Makerspace individually to use the machines, this project marked the very first formal partnership between the Makerspace and the architecture faculty.
Sarah Nagle was thrilled by the proposal. Though hosting 85 students was a massive logistical undertaking, the Makerspace team jumped into action. “I appreciate when faculty come to us so early,” Sarah noted. “You’ve got a runway to work with. You can do some really incredible things.”
The students’ response was overwhelmingly positive. Beyond mastering their assignments, they completely fell in love with the space—eyeing the podcast studio and the sewing machines for future projects. The students’ presence brought the space to life. May remembers, “It felt like a beehive. If you were there, you would be like, ‘everything is buzzing’.”
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some students struggled with the files they created, while others experienced technical difficulties with the 3D printers. In those cases, the Makerspace staff stepped in. Sarah added herself to students’ projects as an online collaborator to help troubleshoot the student models directly, and John Williams, Makerspace Technology Specialist, was essential in fixing the printers.
For any faculty looking to partner with the Makerspace on projects, May offers the following advice—reach out early to give everyone time to prepare and listen to what the Makerspace has to offer.
It was a challenging few weeks but rewarding,” said Sarah. “It was the type of busy we want to be. Educationally rich with great outcomes for students. That’s exactly the thing we wanted to be spending our time on.” Plans are underway to evolve and expand the collaboration, ensuring that the partnership between Architecture and the King Libraries’ Makerspace continues to build a creative future.
]]>Stan’s deep personal faith and dry wit have been a hallmarks over his years at the Libraries. While he successfully led and implemented the technological leaps required to run a modern academic library, he is proudest of how those systems served the university’s community. He views his legacy divided neatly into two camps—the personal and the professional. “I would like to have shared the love of God as I have dealt with people,” he says, though he adds with his characteristic humility and wryness, “I am quite sure that I have often failed.” Professionally, Stan also has much to be proud of. He has created a culture in his department where employees are supported and encouraged to reach for excellence. He never misses an opportunity to highlight the strengths and talents of those who report to him.
As he retires, Stan believes he will miss the people here at the Miami University Libraries the most. And for anyone coming after him, he offers the following advice, “Work hard,” he said. “Look for opportunities and build relationships.”
Meng Qu, Web Design Librarian, works on Stan’s team. She said, “There are so many fun conversations with him that I can’t list them all, but there were so many pieces of knowledge and warm moments. I will remember his support and endorsement for my career for my whole life, and I wish him all the best in his retirement.”
There is a theme in how Stan came to Miami, what has kept him here, and what he’s going to do after retirement. “God brought me to Miami and kept me here,” he said. “Someone might ask, ‘What is God doing at Miami?’ but that is a discussion for another time,” he added. As he looks to the future, he cites both additional church involvement and a daily “blog” that he sends out. He is currently working through the book of Luke one verse at a time. (If you are interested in signing up for his blog, send him an email.)
These days, Stan is reading a lot. He cautions that most of the books he’s currently working through require some knowledge of the subject but has a recommendation for anyone looking to pick up a fascinating read. “I would recommend any of them,” Stan said. “The Jesus Discoveries is one that could be read without the background. It gives an interesting perspective on the Shroud of Turin, among other things.”
Here is what Stan is currently reading:
The Miami University Libraries extends its deepest gratitude to Stan Brown for his years of leadership, humor, and kindness. We wish him a peaceful and page-turning retirement!
]]>Glenn remembers, “they said, ‘We’re going to have you do a full teaching load. We still expect you to be a great researcher, but teaching matters here.’ That was really unique and it was the reason I chose Miami. It was the kind of place I wanted to work.”
During his time at Miami, Glenn has spearheaded technology and innovation initiatives across campus. He remembers the Libraries as a vital partner during this time. “The Library has been there always,” he said. “It’s like a rock and I’m greatly appreciative for that.”
Looking to the future, he also recognizes the unique role that the Libraries plays in evolving technology. In his view, generative AI represents a powerful shift that will force higher education to change—like higher education, AI can deliver learning. We will have to decide how to respond. Dr. Platt believes the Libraries remain positioned to guide the next generation of students.
“Libraries are uniquely well suited to helping students figure out how to navigate the AI landscape,” he said. “How do you frame a good question? How do you evaluate information when it’s being presented to you? It’s not just about the degree anymore. Potential employers are going to care that you did something, that you made something. We more than ever will be judged on what we can do and have done.”
After 33 years at Miami, Dr. Platt is preparing for his next chapter. His startup, Lyceum AI was acquired by Perceptyx, an AI company focused on employee experience. Part of that acquisition includes Dr. Platt who will stay on to help develop the product and the strategy.
“I’m kind of doing it backwards,” he admits. “I think most people do industry and then they go to higher ed. I’m doing it the other way.”
To honor his multi-decade legacy of innovation, the Miami University Libraries has awarded Dr. Glenn Platt with the Special Friends of the Library award. As a part of the award, his name will be added to a plaque in the Dean’s suite at King Library, and we will place an honorary bookplate in a newly purchased volume within his field.
With one final question, we asked Dr. Platt to recommend something for us to read. He gave us two single-word books that he read recently: Grit by Angela Duckworth and Range by David Epstein.
]]>Ken Irwin is a Web Services Librarian. He received a Master of Information and Library Studies from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Kalamazoo College. His scholarship focuses developing open-source solutions to solve challenging library issues and to make the most of our resources. His projects include MyGuide, a personalized research dashboard, and Software Checkout, a mechanism for “checking out” software licenses that has saved Miami students over $200,000. His current project, Argus, developed in collaboration with Miami Special Collections Librarian Rachel Makarowski, is a special collections project management tool that will save scholars and librarians time and effort in managing research projects.
Megan Jaskowiak is the Health and Social Sciences Librarian. She holds a Ph.D. in Botany from North Dakota State University and a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Kent State University. She liaises with the Criminology, Gerontology, Psychology, Sociology, Speech Pathology and Audiology, Family Science and Social Work departments, as well as the Physician Associate Studies program. One of her primary responsibilities is supporting faculty, staff, and students conducting systematic and scoping reviews. A recent scoping review she co-authored with two Miami faculty members and a graduate student was accepted for publication in International Emergency Nursing. Her research has also appeared in the Journal of the Medical Library Association, Serials Review, Interlending & Document Supply, and the Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved.
Carla Myers received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Akron and her Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Kent State University. Her work in libraries focuses on fair use, copyright in the classroom, and library copyright issues, and she has presented across the U.S. and internationally on these topics. As coordinator of Scholarly Communications for the Miami University Libraries, she also helps lead campus affordability initiatives that seek to reduce or eliminate the cost of textbooks and other learning materials students use. In collaborations with partners in the library and across campus, these initiatives have saved students over $1.6 million dollars since 2018.
Dean and University Librarian Jerome Conley congratulated the three librarians saying, “Please join me in congratulating our colleagues on this exciting achievement. Their dossiers were absolutely stellar, and I am so happy to see that the board saw the merits of their achievements. I am so incredibly happy to have them on our team.”
]]>Goal 1: Develop talent, resources, and experiences that facilitate community.
Talent Management – Staff Recognition: Workgroup members created and administered a staff survey to gather feedback on existing recognition and appreciation events. Based on survey results, they created a quarterly appreciation event - Donuts with the Dean. The workgroup also explored staff anniversary recognition, expanding on the work that the University does by aiming to honor Library-specific service. By laying the groundwork for a permanent committee, this workgroup has created conditions for continual positive change for our staff.
Goal 2: Transform the Libraries’ environment and user-centered experience to anticipate evolving modes of learning.
Library Recognition: The workgroup completed an environment scan of academic library awards to pursue and enacted plans to apply for select awards. The workgroup submitted and drafted multiple applications for recognition of the Libraries’ recently-renovated Sidley Lounge space and has other applications in progress for submission in 2026. The processes created by this workgroup for identifying and applying for awards and other forms of recognition will help raise the national profile of the Libraries.
Goal 3: Forge meaningful partnerships that foster affordability, ensure relevancy, and cultivate life-long connections.
External Funding: This workgroup completed an environment scan for project ideas across the Libraries and created a project tracking tool to monitor grant projects from inception to completion. The workgroup also met with University Advancement’s Corporate and Foundation Relations staff to explore new routes for funding. The contributions of this workgroup have allowed the Libraries to quickly adapt to changes in the external funding environment.
Planning for Catalyst ‘26 is well underway, with this year’s initiatives being developed in intentional alignment with MiamiTHRIVE, the University’s strategic plan.
More information on Catalyst can be found at Lib.MiamiOH.edu/Strategic.
]]>Join us to hear Don’s firsthand stories — from his journey to enroll at Miami and the inspiration for his life’s work to highlights from his enduring relationships with Miami’s past and current Presidents. You’ll hear why he characterizes his continuous service with such passion and generosity, and why he’s one of the most decorated volunteers in Miami history.
A former varsity athlete inducted into the Miami University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, Don’s tireless commitment includes serving on the Board of Trustees, teaching classes in the Farmer School of Business, and twice receiving the Don Loss Volunteer of the Year award. He’ll also share the joys of his Miami family legacy, having a wife and two daughters who are all proud Farmer School of Business graduates.
EVENT DETAILS
• Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
• Time: 11:00 A.M.
• Location: King Library, Room 320
• Virtual Option: The event will also be presented virtually. Register to attend
]]>As the Business Librarian, Erica will be helping students across all disciplines at Farmer School of Business in their research and study needs, including identifying and helping them navigate business resources and databases available here at Miami. This includes the departments of Accountancy, Business, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, and Marketing. She will collaborate with Abi Morgan, Social Sciences Librarian, in Entrepreneurship and Marketing especially to help students in market and industry research.
Erica ran across the Miami University Libraries’ job posting while she was running a jobs list for her cohort at UNC. She says she leapt at the opportunity to come back to Ohio. “I loved working with the business students at UNC and enjoyed my time working and living previously in Columbus. I knew I wanted to be back in the Midwest.”
We recognize how lucky we were to be able to find and hire a candidate like Erica. Kevin Messner, Head of the Advise and Instruct Department, said, “We’re thrilled to be able to bring Erica to MUL as Business Librarian. In her interviews Erica showed great awareness of what our subject specialist librarians need to focus on – namely our students and instructional mission – as well as facility with the technical knowledge resources we provide for the FSB academic programs.”
When she isn’t teaching, Erica enjoys cooking and hosting dinner parties and taking yoga classes. She says, “Exploring Hueston Woods and the surrounding areas of Oxford has been such a welcome surprise- summer in Ohio is undefeated. I really appreciate living in town because it’s all walkable and there are lots of local businesses.”
Students can reach Erica by email at freede@miamioh.edu or by scheduling an in-person or Zoom appointment through the library website. She is also available for drop-ins at her office, located at 201 King Library.
]]>Donna joined the Libraries 12 years ago after seeing the job on the Miami University job website and realizing it was an opportunity she couldn’t afford to miss. Her interview was not without drama — a fire alarm went off and she had to evacuate the building. After moving her interview the Art and Architecture Library she persevered. “Right then and there, I discovered the flexibility and adaptability and the consideration of the Library.”
For anyone else considering a job with the Miami University Libraries, Donna encourage you to come with an open mind. “Know the value statements, the mission, and really embrace it.” She says she will miss the human element in the Libraries. “It’s the people and their personal stories,” she said. “The way we all work together and contribute to the space and the work environment. Particularly for the library, I will miss the innovative surprises.”
I have always been able to count on Donna to keep the Dean’s Suite organized and running right,” said Jerome Conley, Dean and University Librarian. “She exemplifies the values of the Libraries.”
Looking back on her time at Miami, Donna is proud of the work she accomplished as a coordinator. “Coordinators coordinate,” she said. “We bring people together, resolve issues, enhance the experience, and maintain a sense of unity and consistency.” We are grateful to Donna for her hard work over the years at Miami and especially at the Miami University Libraries. We will miss her and wish her the best in her retirement.
]]>The biggest but least visible change has been coming for a long time. During the summer months, librarians at MUL and all over the state of Ohio tested and troubleshot to get all of the OhioLINK libraries moved to a brand-new Alma system. As a member of OhioLINK, we took advantage of this software overhaul and transition. It will make accessing resources easier for Miami students — no matter what library the materials are found in.
Another exciting change is the expansion of our Textbooks on Reserve program. Last year we were able to offer books on reserve at the Library for our 50 most popular classes. This year, we were able to double those efforts. We are now offering textbooks for the top 100 classes at Miami.
Building updates are currently ongoing in King Library as well. The air handlers in our library have long needed upgrades. Throughout the summer and into the fall we’ve been investing in them, preparing a comfortable environment with less fluctuations in temperature, in order to be the welcoming space that our students and scholars expect.
We’ve also said goodbye during the summer. After many years, the King Café on our ground floor will not be reopening this fall. While we will miss the accessibility of having a café in the building, we are already planning for the opportunity this new vacancy provides us. What will we use this space for? Stay tuned for more exciting details.
Technology remains on the forefront of our minds at King Library. We have invested heavily in tech for our scholars, purchasing new Chromebooks for students to rent. We have also increased our spend in technology rentals, purchasing more software and more licenses. This will enable more students to have access to programs that will increase their learning opportunities.
In addition, the Makerspace has made some significant upgrades for this semester. Their new Panda DTF Printer will print directly to a film that can be placed directly on almost any fabric, allowing users to create colorful fabric prints, t-shirts, and other projects. The green-screened video studio they have created will enable students to create professional photography and film assignments in the Makerspace.
Whether you’re looking for assistance with research, resources, or creation, King Library has been working hard all summer to get our space prepped. Stop in to visit us today.
]]>As a pilot member of OhioLINK, the statewide academic library consortium, our scholars have long taken advantage of the innumerable resources that OhioLINK provides. For several weeks this summer, access to physical OhioLINK materials will be limited as all OhioLINK members across the state upgrade their lending systems.
Though this process is running smoothly, Miami scholars will notice some temporary changes to their access and Libraries experience this summer. Please see the key dates listed below:
May 23, 2025: OhioLINK lending freeze begins
June 10, 2025: OhioLINK upgrades for Miami begin
June 23, 2025: OhioLINK Go live date
(We anticipate the return of SearchOhio later in the fall semester.In the interim, SearchOhio books can be requested through the public library)
Throughout this process, the Libraries will work with you to make sure you have access to the materials you need to succeed.
If you have any questions, please contact the Circulation desk at (513)529-4141.
This upgrade will help not only Miami, but all of the OhioLINK member libraries. It also ensures that the resource sharing we depend upon can continue smoothly, no matter what library your materials might be found in. It’s good for Miami and good for OhioLINK. It also speaks to the vision that OhioLINK was founded upon – collaborative work that helps Ohio students, faculty, and citizens achieve their academic goals and aspirations.
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