Pattee and Paterno Libraries
Overview
The Pattee and Paterno Libraries are integral components of the Pennsylvania State University Libraries system, located on the university's main campus in University Park, Pennsylvania. These libraries serve as the central hub for academic resources and research support for students, faculty, and staff. The libraries are named after Fred Lewis Pattee, a prominent English professor at Penn State, and Joe Paterno, the legendary football coach and philanthropist. Together, they form a comprehensive library complex that provides access to a vast array of resources, including books, journals, digital media, and special collections.
History
The history of the Pattee and Paterno Libraries is deeply intertwined with the development of Penn State University. The original library, known as the Carnegie Library, was established in 1904 with a donation from Andrew Carnegie. As the university expanded, the need for a larger library became evident. In 1940, the Pattee Library was constructed, named in honor of Fred Lewis Pattee, who was instrumental in establishing the study of American literature as an academic discipline.
The Paterno Library was added in 2000, funded in part by a significant donation from Joe and Sue Paterno. This expansion was designed to accommodate the growing demands of the university's academic programs and to provide state-of-the-art facilities for research and learning. The combined libraries now offer over 5 million volumes and numerous specialized collections.
Architecture and Design
The architectural design of the Pattee and Paterno Libraries reflects a blend of traditional and modern elements. The Pattee Library, with its classic collegiate Gothic style, features stone facades and intricate detailing. In contrast, the Paterno Library incorporates contemporary design elements, such as large glass windows and open spaces, to create a welcoming and functional environment for users.
The libraries are connected by a central atrium, which serves as a focal point for the complex. This space is designed to facilitate collaboration and interaction among students and faculty, with comfortable seating areas and study spaces. The integration of technology is a key aspect of the libraries' design, with numerous computer workstations, multimedia labs, and wireless internet access available throughout the facility.
Collections and Resources
The Pattee and Paterno Libraries house an extensive collection of resources that support the diverse academic programs at Penn State. The libraries' holdings include over 5 million volumes, 100,000 serials, and a vast array of electronic resources. The collections are organized into various subject areas, including humanities, social sciences, science and technology, and business.
Special collections within the libraries include rare books, manuscripts, and archives that document the history of Penn State and the surrounding region. The Eberly Family Special Collections Library is a notable component, offering unique materials such as the Pennsylvania German Fraktur and the Charles L. Blockson Collection of African Americana and the African Diaspora.
In addition to traditional print resources, the libraries provide access to a wide range of digital media, including e-books, online journals, and databases. These resources are accessible both on-site and remotely, allowing users to conduct research from anywhere in the world.
Services and Facilities
The Pattee and Paterno Libraries offer a comprehensive suite of services and facilities to support the academic and research needs of the Penn State community. These include reference and research assistance, interlibrary loan services, and information literacy instruction. The libraries also provide specialized support for graduate students and faculty, including assistance with data management and scholarly publishing.
Study spaces within the libraries are designed to accommodate a variety of learning styles, with individual study carrels, group study rooms, and collaborative workspaces. The Knowledge Commons, located in the Pattee Library, is a state-of-the-art facility that offers technology-rich environments for learning and collaboration.
The libraries also host a range of events and programs, including workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. These events are designed to engage the university community and promote the use of library resources in research and scholarship.
Technology and Innovation
The integration of technology is a key focus of the Pattee and Paterno Libraries, with numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the user experience and supporting digital scholarship. The libraries offer a variety of digital tools and platforms, including the ScholarSphere repository for research data and the Media Commons for multimedia production.
The libraries are also involved in several digitization projects, aimed at preserving and providing access to unique collections. These projects include the digitization of rare books, manuscripts, and archival materials, which are made available through the libraries' digital collections portal.
In addition to these initiatives, the libraries are committed to fostering innovation in teaching and learning. The Teaching and Learning with Technology unit provides support for faculty in integrating technology into their courses, and the libraries offer a range of workshops and resources on topics such as data visualization and digital storytelling.
Community Engagement
The Pattee and Paterno Libraries are actively engaged with the broader community, both within and beyond Penn State. The libraries collaborate with local schools, community organizations, and cultural institutions to promote literacy and lifelong learning. These partnerships include outreach programs, educational workshops, and public lectures.
The libraries also serve as a cultural hub for the university, hosting exhibitions and events that showcase the work of local artists and scholars. The Diversity Studies Room, located in the Pattee Library, is a dedicated space for exploring issues related to diversity and inclusion, and hosts a variety of programs and discussions throughout the year.
Future Directions
As the needs of the Penn State community continue to evolve, the Pattee and Paterno Libraries are committed to adapting and expanding their services and resources. Future plans include the continued development of digital collections, the enhancement of study and collaboration spaces, and the expansion of support for data-driven research.
The libraries are also focused on sustainability, with initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption and promoting environmentally friendly practices. These efforts include the use of energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and the incorporation of sustainable materials in library renovations.