All Blogs

Finding the Glimmers - Blog Featured Image

Finding the Glimmers: Small Moments To Sustain Us This Semester

In this article, Gabrielle Likavec explores how educators can notice “glimmers”—small moments of connection, curiosity, success, and belonging—to balance challenges, strengthen well-being, and reconnect with the meaning of teaching.

Blog Posted August 21, 2026

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Five Ways CMU Libraries Can Support Faculty This Fall

Here are five ways the library can help you in and beyond the classroom.

Blog Posted August 20, 2026

Former CMU Librarians and Student Workers: Where are They Now?

Exploring the experiences of past employees and students and how this work led to their current roles.

Blog Posted August 17, 2026

Fine Arts, Friendly Views, and Focus: Unique Study Spaces in CMU Libraries

Blog Posted July 21, 2026

My Accessibility Journey Pt 3 - Blog Featured Image

My Accessibility Journey, Part 3: Accessibility Is About People, Not Checklists

Accessibility is more than compliance—it's a mindset of reducing barriers, designing for diverse learners, and creating learning environments where every student can fully participate and belong.

Blog Posted July 24, 2026

My Accessibility Journey Part 2 - Blog Featured Image

My Accessibility Journey, Part 2: The Small Changes That Changed Everything

Accessibility is built through small, sustainable habits. Simple practices like headings, meaningful links, alt text, and consistent design improve learning, usability, and inclusion for all students.

Blog Posted July 01, 2026

My Accessibility Journey Pt 1 - Blog Featured Image

My Accessibility Journey, Part 1: When Accessibility Felt Bigger Than I Was

In this reflection, Gabrielle Likavec explores how accessibility shifted from an overwhelming checklist to an ongoing commitment. She emphasizes progress, shared responsibility, and designing learning experiences that reduce barriers for everyone.

Blog Posted June 12, 2026

Finding Support in the Stacks: Call Number Ranges for Sensitive Topics

Blog Posted June 03, 2026

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Staff Picks in CMU Libraries Browsing Collection

Enjoy some Staff Pick recommendations from Park Library staff member Amy Christensen, an avid reader.

Blog Posted May 20, 2026

Collection Resources, Spaces, and More: CMU Libraries Supports the Mental Health Needs of All Students

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the CMU Libraries are dedicated to supporting students’ academic and personal well-being.

Blog Posted May 06, 2026

Congratulations to our Spring 2026 graduating libraries student employee

Recognizing a Spring 2026 graduating Libraries student employee.

Blog Posted April 30, 2026

Why Wait Time Still Matters in Today’s College Classroom - Blog Featured Image

Take 2 for Teaching & Learning - Why Wait Time Still Matters in Today’s College Classroom

Most instructors wait ~1 second after asking or answering questions, limiting student thinking. Research shows extending wait time to 3–7 seconds boosts participation, equity, and response quality, improving learning with simple pauses.

Blog Posted April 24, 2026

Find Your Joy - Celebrating National Library Week, April 19-25, 2026

Life is full of challenges, deadlines, and complex questions. National Library Week and this year’s theme, “Find Your Joy,” remind us that libraries provide support and inspiration. Libraries are places where curiosity grows.

Blog Posted April 20, 2026

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CMU Libraries: Over One Hundred Years of Evolution

CMU’s library has evolved from a small 1893 collection to the modern Charles V. Park Library, growing alongside the university despite setbacks like the Old Main fire of 1925—all while continuing to support student success through access to knowledge.

Blog Posted April 16, 2026

Digital Accessibility as a Teaching Practice

Digital accessibility becomes manageable when treated as an ongoing teaching practice, not a one-time fix. Small, weekly improvements—like clear structure, captions, and templates—reduce barriers, support learning, and make courses more inclusive and sustainable.

Blog Posted April 14, 2026

Pride Month at CMU Libraries: Then, Now, Together

CMU Libraries celebrates Pride Month by reflecting on decades of standing up for LGBTQ+ rights and community collaboration.

Blog Posted April 13, 2026

Encouraging Students to Complete end-of-course Surveys Blog Featured Image

Encouraging Students to Complete End-of-Course Surveys: Practical Strategies for Any Modality

Low response rates weaken end-of-course surveys. Students skip them due to time, value, or trust issues. Instructors can boost participation by explaining impact, giving class time, encouraging feedback, ensuring anonymity, and fostering a supportive climate.

Blog Posted April 10, 2026