Wilson Library
Western Washington’s Wilson library serves as a place to socialize, study, research, check out books, get help on papers , assignments, and rent equipment. An entry on the Building Histories page of Western Libraries Heritage Resources Department states that Wilson library was designed by Bebb and Gould of Seattle and then built by C. F. In 1928. Its two floors and basement housed 39,000 volumes. The library underwent renovation many times the last being in 1947. The library was renamed the Mabel Zoe Wilson Library on April 15, 1964 after western’s first librarian Mabel Zoe Wilson
. An entry in westerns achieve and resource management department states that “The Mabel Zoe Wilson Library houses more than 650,000 volumes of books and periodicals, nearly 2 million units of microforms, and large collections of government documents, curriculum materials, sound recordings and videotapes”. Compared to other University’s libraries such as The University of Washington, Wilson library is relatively small. It also isn’t the most resourceful library as far as academic research goes. In my own experience there were many times where I couldn’t find certain books that I needed. Wilson library also could use renovation. The building is run-down especially the bathrooms. Another flaw is the library’s maze-like interior. It’s really hard to navigate around Wilson library. I have gotten lost in Wilson library many times and I’m sure if thatyou’ve explored Wilson library before you have too.
Going to Wilson library has become a daily ritual of mine. Every day after class I come to Wilson library, I usually get some coffee from Zoe’s Bagels then I make my way over to the computer lab or sometimes I check out a laptop from the student technology center. I typically spend about an hour walking around the library trying to find the perfect spot to settle in, since I will be staying there till midnight. Ridiculously enough I always end up sitting in the same place. On the fourth floor of the library, in the children’s literature section, right in the corner, is my special spot. I like this spot because while all the other study desks are brightly lit. Shadows cast over my spot, creating a dark, lonely feeling of melancholy. I also like it because its facing the wall. And as someone who’s always distracted by people watching, this helps me focus on my studies and not on everyone else around me. Usually what I like to do after I finish my work is take strolls through the aisles of books. I like to just look at the books. I like to feel them, I like to trace my fingers over the covers and leaf through the pages. The only books I actually ever read are the poetry books. I enjoy the art especially in the children’s books. I like to look at the art and duplicate it. It helps me practice my drawing.
One of my favorite things about Wilson library is the Research-Writing Studio (RWS). Since I have done all my studies abroad and in a different language. Writing is something I struggle with. Racheal, an assistant in the Research-Writing Studio said “The Research Writing Studio is a place where students can get help from both peers that come into work as well as students who are staffed at the RWS. We encourage collaboration between students and faculty. We work alongside several research librarians so help facilitate research and further knowledge for students who come into the RWS.” Whenever I have a writing assignment I head over to the Research Writing Studio and they are always very helpful. For example, I was writing a paper on medieval torture techniques and I couldn’t find any reliable sources. The RWS was able to help me with that.
The Tutoring Center is a place where students can drop in and receive help with their math and science GUR’s. I have never gone to the tutoring center since I haven’t taken any science classes yet. But many students expressed to me that the Tutoring Center is very helpful. And I definitely plan to take advantage of it once I take a science or math class. Formerly the Tutoring Center was located on a different part of campus but was later moved to the library to make it more efficient for students for to access.
Overall, Wilson library is a safe place where students can feel comfortable being vulnerable by asking questions and where they can receive help with whatever they might be struggling with. Wilson library is a great facility that offers easily accessible resources for students. If you’re a Western Washington University student I encourage you to take advantage of Wilson library.
Some music: https://youtu.be/aNSHOiABiF8
Works Cited
“Building Histories: Wilson Library.” Western Libraries: Heritage Resources. Web. 9 Feb. 2016.
“Western Washington University, Bellingham WA.” History Department: Archives and Record Management. 17 May 2012. Web. 9 Feb. 2016.