From Archives to Innovation: The University Library at The Beach
At the heart of Cal State Long Beach sits one of its most vital and transformative spaces – the University Library. For generations of students, the library has been more than a building with stacks of books; it has been a place of belonging, a hub of discovery, and a partner in student and faculty success.
In just the past academic year, the library welcomed an average of nearly 5,000 visitors each day – over 766,000 in total – while also providing access to more than 4 million digital materials and processing 19,000 physical loans. These numbers tell a story of a library that is not only preserving knowledge but also actively powering the future of ɫҹ.
Preserving Our Story
The library’s Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA), housed in LIB 300, safeguards the history and identity of ɫҹ. From historic yearbooks and rare books to student newspapers, photographs, and organizational records, these collections ensure that the story of The Beach is preserved for future generations.
SCUA also strengthens campus and community engagement with class sessions, public programming, and new partnerships. Since January 2025, SCUA has accommodated more than 120 research appointments.
Faculty and students alike engage with these materials in their teaching, research, and creative projects. The archives remind us that today’s campus community is the result of generations of students, staff, and faculty who have helped shape ɫҹ’s unique culture.
Innovation and Access
Even as the library preserves our past, it also supports our current campus. Library initiatives are advancing the way students and faculty engage with resources. One example is Access Services, who in spring 2025 hosted engaging finals week programming garnering over 740 participants. The Technical Services team made significant progress in modernizing access to resources and improving backend workflows. Examples include integrating CSU Learn’s professional development content into the catalog, cleaning up serials holdings for better discoverability, and expanding single sign-on access for most major databases.
These initiatives ensure the library remains a dynamic partner in academic success, supporting faculty research, enhancing teaching, and expanding access to knowledge in new and exciting ways. Recent digitization projects are expanding access even further, ensuring that ɫҹ’s history remains a living resource for scholarship and discovery.
Faculty at the Library
What many don’t realize is that the library is an academic unit with a robust faculty body. It is home to dedicated faculty who bring a wide range of expertise to The Beach. Faculty librarians teach information literacy courses, answer questions at the resource desk, and serve as liaisons to academic departments across disciplines, among many other things.
Librarians also actively engage in research and scholarly activity, advancing the field of library and information science while supporting the evolving needs of students and faculty. There’s a librarian for almost all disciplines across campus, and there’s even a to find which librarian is specialized in a specific subject.
From guiding students through their first research paper to collaborating with faculty on advanced projects, the library’s faculty embody the blend of teaching, scholarship, and service that defines The Beach.
A Home for Learning and Connection
As the University Student Union undergoes construction, the library has become an even more important gathering place for students. Every day, thousands of students flow through its doors to read, write, collaborate, and recharge. Beyond its extensive resources, the library offers quiet spaces for study, collaborative rooms for group work, the Spidell Technology Center, and areas to relax between classes.
In many ways, the library has become the “third place” on campus – welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of both academic and personal growth. Whether preparing for an exam, meeting with classmates, or simply taking a break, the library offers the support and space students need to thrive.
"We opened up our reference department, repurposed furniture from the USU, and created 100 extra seats in the library," Dean Dill said. "We are committed to make our spaces welcoming, safe, and filled with library expertise!"
The library’s impact extends beyond students. Faculty benefit from support for research and teaching, including (OER) and specialized programming. Community members engage through exhibits, events, and opportunities to explore collections that highlight ɫҹ’s role as a leading regional institution.
The University Library: Past, Present, and Future
The University Library is interwoven with ɫҹ’s past and plays a critical role in our future – preserving memory, supporting discovery, and fueling innovation.
As we envision the future, the library continues to be more than a building – it is a community and a catalyst for innovation. With faculty expertise, expansive collections, and a commitment to access and inclusion, the library ensures that every student, faculty and staff member, and community partner has the resources to learn, create, and lead.
The University Library is not only where our story is kept – it is where the next chapters are written.
