Amidst an action-packed homecoming week, our very own Rod Library, located at the center of the University of Northern Iowa’s campus, celebrated its 60th anniversary on Friday, Oct. 3.
Rod Library’s staff welcomed faculty and students to an open house to honor the library’s history. Refreshments, a photo booth and warm hospitality were offered – encouraging Panthers to stop by and enjoy a head start to the weekend.
For some, it’s their go-to spot for quiet studying — for others, it’s a place to meet with friends or grab a quick coffee before a lecture.
Friday’s anniversary reflected how the space impacts life at UNI.
“The idea is to have a joyful moment,” said Holly Schneiders, now serving her sixth year as an administrative assistant for Rod Library. “To celebrate that it’s still here, it’s still needed, it’s still delivering what it should for campus, for students, for faculty.”
While this delivery of serving campus needs has stayed consistent, the library’s methods have evolved with time. As one may expect, Rod has seen a gradual shift from printed material to online resources throughout its life – a change celebrated by the library.
Over the years, library staff have particularly emphasized a change in accessibility,
“Having those digital resources is a huge benefit because they are accessible to everybody,” Schneiders explained. “We’re leaning more towards getting the electronic resources and making those available for students, because that is what’s needed.”
The Rod Library’s history of innovating accessibility to resources shouldn’t outshine its efforts to aid students in several areas of campus life. The Book Bistro, The Learning Center and the University Archives all exemplify its commitment to enhance the experience here at UNI.
As it marks 60 years of service, the Rod Library honors a history of serving our campus community, while looking forward to its future. The anniversary celebration reminded students and faculty that, whether through books, an espresso or an overnight cramming session, Rod Library will continue to be a special place for learning and connection.
