The Fresno State Library has been called the “beating heart” of the campus and the “central hub” of student activity. Yet, others may express doubt about a library’s relevance on a 21st-century, post-pandemic college campus with a new student union and virtual services.
To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the library’s death have been greatly exaggerated.
1 million visits. 1 million things to learn.
During the course of the fall 2023 semester, the Fresno State Library welcomed 512,948 visits, surpassing the number of visits for all of the 2021-22 academic year (443,606). And the library stands poised to surpass the 2022-23 total (895,877) by the end of the spring semester.
The library’s goal is to reach 1 million visits by the end of the academic year. You can help them reach their goal by walking through the Library’s main doors every day you are on campus this year. To sweeten the deal, if the Library reaches its goal of 1 million visits, the Library will invest in a new amenity, which will be determined with community input in March.
Whether patrons are there to check out materials, visit a gallery, see an exhibit in Special Collections, explore music and media, browse the Teacher Resource Center, hit up Starbucks, meet with a Learning Center tutor, visit the DISCOVERe technology hub, use Services for Students with Disabilities, print a paper, or make an appointment with a librarian – every visit counts.
Passport bookmarks
The library has created a “1 Million Visits Passport” to help guests explore, learn, have fun and succeed in the library. Beginning Feb. 20, visitors can pick up the passport bookmark in the lobby, complete it by visiting the services noted on the passport, and be entered to win monthly Starbucks gift cards.
And, of course, the 1 millionth visitor will receive extra-special recognition. Keep an eye out on the library’s social media channels to find out what events, programs and services are highlighted in the library this spring.
“We’re very excited that students continue to value their time in the library,” said Dr. Bernadette T. Muscat, interim dean of library services, “and we welcome and encourage our entire campus and community to reignite their love of the library by visiting us often throughout the semester.”
Post-pandemic recovery
Before 2020, the Fresno State Library gate counts were routinely over 1 million for each academic year. Since the return to in-person instruction in fall 2021, the library’s student patron behaviors have shifted. They are more consistent and visit for longer, but fewer study sessions. Visits to the library grew steadily throughout the fall 2023 semester, indicating a newly re-established connection between students and the library.
Gate counts for recent years
Fall 2023: 512,948
2022-23: 895,877
2021-22: 443,606
2020-21: 28,419 (COVID, essential services only)
2019-20: 1,053,295 (through March 20, 2020)
2018-19: 1,469,826 (last full year before COVID)
Campus and community visits count
The Fresno State Library is primarily be an academic library. However, it is open to community members as well. All in-building library service points can be used for community researchers and high school students, and events and exhibitions are open to the public and free of charge. The public is welcome to book a tour, or inquire about research services.
For more information about Fresno State Library services or the “1 Million Visits” campaign, contact 559.278.2551 or heatherparish@mail.fresnostate.edu.
