Penn State Libraries

Library Geek Queen strikes again!  Husband and I went on a quest to visit the Penn State Library - in State College, PA on Saturday.  (Ever wonder why I chose librarian as my career field?)  This research library is beautiful.  The learning common space and computer labs are phenomenal.  I went to college in an era when computer catalogs were just beginning to appear on the scene.  We still had an actual card catalog full of cards on the first floor of the library when I began college.  By the time I graduated 5 years later, the card catalog was gone, and had been replaced by computer terminals strategically located on every floor of the library.  Computer Labs, Learning Commons, and Group Study Areas were ideas that had not yet come into being back in the 80's.  I adore how these new spaces and ideas have been integrated into existing library buildings without compromising the original very impressive architecture of these older buildings, all the while maintaining the depth and integrity of their physical collection.  Keep in mind, we only visited the main library.  There are subject specialty libraries scattered throughout the campus.  If only I'd  had time to visit them all!

Penn State Paterno/Pattee Library from the front

Look at this gorgeous atrium!  Big sun lights on the roof flood this area with natural light.

Nice place to sit and relax.

Bringing a little of the outdoors inside.  Seriously, why don't my houseplants ever look this good?

Inside the stacks at the Pattee Library.  The ceilings are low, the aisles are narrow, the floor is tile.  It's a researchers dream!  There is so much packed into these shelves! 

Look down those aisles to the study carrels.  The carrels are tucked in by the windows, flooded with natural light.

Look at the view out of that window!

This is in the Paterno Library.

Once again, carrels flooded with natural light.

Clearly marked call numbers on the ends of the rows.

Computers for student use.  There's another, HUGE computer lab on the first floor, but I didn't get a picture.

This is awesome!  An interactive, touch screen map of the library!

The courtyard.  I love how they've added on over the years, but left a courtyard in the middle.

Because who doesn't love old staircases?