The Macdonald-Kelce Library, (MKL), is home to many student resources like academic research sources, printing, and various books and items for check out. Photo Courtesy of Amber Louis.
By Amber Louis
The Macdonald-Kelce Library (MKL) holds a cornucopia of resources and a hub for a multitude of types of students. From umbrellas and chargers for checkout, new popular literature now held on the shelves, and in-depth research help from knowledgeable librarians, students have access to an abundance of assets.
TAMPA Fla. – The University of Tampa is consistently up and coming. New buildings erect in what feels like a continuous manner, as the cap at new acceptances in undergraduate programs continues to grow. Students might tend to find that looking around, finding places that are not only quiet and peaceful, but staff that are well equipped to help with a wide range of academics in detail are sparse.
The Macdonald-Kelce Library (MKL) has been open since the fall of 1969. Inside lies a cornucopia of resources and a hub for a multitude of types of students.
Shannon Spencer, Electronic Resources Librarian, reveals what she sees in between the bookshelves. “You’re sitting in a dorm room, you’re feeling maybe a little disconnected or whatever. You just kind of feel like hanging out with people, but so no one to hang out with. And you come to the library, and there’s people here.
What students may not also realize is how much MKL offers besides books and safe spaces. Students are able to check out umbrellas, charging cords, ring lights, games, bikelocks, laptops and calculators. More information about check outs can be found on the library’s webpage.
In addition to these handy items to grab and return, a new exciting addition has come to the library this semester.
“We’ve always had requests for popular fiction over the years, popular literature, but our focus has been more to serve the academic community, support research in the classes, which is still our number one priority,” said Spencer. “But reading for pleasure, whether it’s popular, nonfiction or fiction, can be such a stress reliever.”
On the first floor of MKL in the middle three shelves are where the new Popular Literature sections can be found. Photo Courtesy of Amber Louis.
More than 456 titles, and counting, of popular literature have been stocked on MKL shelves. Featured are a wide range of renowned modern authors from Sarah J. Maas to Kristin Hannah. Access to find exactly where to find a book can be done through the library’s webpage or by asking any Student Assistant or Librarian.
MKL hosts events for UTWrites, a lecture series which showcases abstract and niche topics that are attended by students, faculty, and professors alike. The events provide light snacks and beverages, and are for learning and leisure. November 5th at 4 p.m. in the library. G. Patrick O’Brien will present: “So Much For Halifax. I Wish I had Never Seen It.” Loyalist Refugees and Exile in the British Empire. The library’s webpage consistently updates all types of events they are showcasing, and future UTWrites lectures.
According to Pew Research Center, “71% of teenagers with Internet access said they relied on Internet sources the most in completing the project. That compares to 24% who said they relied on library sources the most.” One of MKL’s main functions is to act as a guide for students looking for research help in any type of paper, project, and beyond.
“A lot of people, I feel, don’t go to the library because they just have all the information on the internet.” said Lionel Gallardo ’28, a Student Assistant at the library. “I think the library is just such an easy way to get the information that you need. You don’t have to worry about getting the wrong resources or getting non-academic resources. I think you should just come to the library to get help with all your assignments, really, because all of our librarians are great and they can help us out.
“MKL offers access to over 200 databases, covering every discipline of study offered at UTampa These databases contain thousands of journals, eBooks, and streaming content,” said Spencer.
Any student looking for research help can email, call, Zoom, or pop-in to ask questions and look for sources. All of these resources are available to students seven days a week at various hours, which will be located on the library’s webpage.
The second floor of MKL is the main floor, containing the majority of the book selection, offices, and study rooms. Photo Courtesy of Amber Louis.
“We’re here to help right here,” said Spencer. “It’s a really supportive atmosphere and it’s conducive to studying with the support that’s here with the staff. I think it creates a supporting atmosphere.”
In addition to academic and pleasure reading, MKL holds a sacred part of UTampa’s history in their Special Collections Department in physical and online files.
Spencer, flipping through just a few digital archives of this Special Collection, said “It’s the whole history of UT. Like, why were all here today? The history of Plant Hall, the hotel. Oh, and when we had a football team too.”
Access to the Special Collections can be found on the library’s webpage.
Having access to MKL’s resources can create a foundation for success for any student looking for anything from a quiet place to study, a relevant source, and a dive into the history of why UTampa came to be. Check out a book, or just check out the library.