Welcome to the library: Celebrate recently updated spaces that elevate access, collaboration and services

Join UC Libraries this spring at events to celebrate newly updated spaces that foster an adaptive, accessible and productive user experience.

Science Library – February 16

science library

The fall semester saw the opening of a combined Science Library in Braunstein Hall. This thoughtfully transformed space creates a united hub of services, spaces, technology and specialized collections dedicated to supporting the teaching and research needs of the Natural Sciences departments within the College of Arts & Sciences. Although its collections focus on the sciences, the Science Library invites ALL to come and enjoy and make use of the revitalized space in the heart of UC’s campus.

Celebrate Our Grand Opening!
We invite you to join us on Monday, February 16 from 2:00-4:00pm for the Science Library’s Grand Opening Reception! Enjoy refreshments, learn about our new spaces and services, be inspired by our special collections displays, explore science through demonstrations and more!

DaVInci @ Langsam – April 2

The Data Visualization and Interaction at Cincinnati (DaVInCi) team led by Jillian Aurisano, assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has created a collaborative space in the library. DaVInCi@Langsam is designed to support collaboration in research and teaching at UC. It offers a large display screen and specialized software that allow everyone in the room to share content and interact. Ongoing research is exploring new ways to heighten interaction with displayed content on the expansive display.

Drop into the DaVInCi@Langsam Open House
Check out the possibilities of the collaborative space at an open house on Thursday, April 2 from 9:30-11:30am, Langsam Library’s 4th floor. Enjoy refreshments while viewing demos of the technology and learn how to reserve and use the space.

CECH Library Reading Room – April 21

The beginning of spring semester brought with it the opening of the renovated College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH) Library Reading Room. Located on the 4th floor of the Teachers-Dyer Complex, and totaling more than 3,000 square feet, the reading room is accessible via the staircase in the CECH Library or directly for those with a Bearcat ID.

Bathed in natural light, the renovated reading room features flexible, soft seating arrangements in the room’s south and north ends and four large study tables with integrated lighting (coming soon) and power access. An inclusive, reservable study room (400B) features adaptive lighting and study and focus tools.

Celebrate the CECH Library Reading Room Opening
Tuesday, April 21, 2:30-4:30pm, CECH Library Reading Room, 400 Teachers-Dyer Complex. Tour the space, hear remarks from UC Libraries and CECH and enjoy the refreshed space.

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries

source graphic

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries.

In this issue of Source, Liz Kiscaden, dean and university librarian, writes about a new global library collaboration with the library at the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. We announce the opening of two renovated library spaces: the Science Library and the CECH Library Reading Room as we bid a fond farewell to Crosley Tower. We highlight library services in the CECH Library to improve accessibility and our expanding Evidence Synthesis group. Library collections are on display in the Chem Bio building renovation featuring the Oesper Collection and online in a new exhibit by the Archives and Rare Books Library about the Bronson v. the Cincinnati Board of Education. Spring is events season in UC Libraries, and we feature those currently on the calendar.

Read these articles, as well as past issues, on the website. To receive Source via e-mail, contact melissa.norris@uc.edu to be added to the mailing list.

Introducing the renovated CECH Library Reading Room

Tuesday, January 20, the renovated College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services (CECH) Library Reading Room reopened. Located on the 4th floor of the Teachers-Dyer Complex, and totaling more than 3,000 square feet, the reading room is accessible via the staircase in the CECH Library or directly with a Bearcat ID.

cech library reading room

Bathed in natural light, the renovated reading room features flexible, soft seating arrangements in the room’s south and north ends, and in the center of the room four large study tables with integrated lighting (coming soon) and power access. An inclusive, reservable study room (400B) features adaptive lighting and study and focus tools.

Artwork and print collections line the perimeter of the room and include materials that support the entirety of CECH, including the School of Education, School of Criminal Justice, School of Human Services and School of Information Technology. Quick access to additional print collections is available across UC Libraries and the high-density storage facility at Fishwick.

cech library reading room collections

The renovation of the CECH Library 4th floor Reading Room was a joint effort between UC Libraries and CECH. Prior to his retirement in 2023, CECH dean and professor emeritus Larry Johnson teamed up with dean and university librarian Liz Kiscaden to plan for the revitalization of the space. The college expanded its support of the revitalization when CECH dean Lisa Huffman came aboard. The re-imagined reading room prioritizes student access and space, while preserving the room’s historical architecture. The redesigned space also offers improved access, re-opening direct entry from level 4 and adding an additional “front door” to the CECH Library.

Visit the CECH Library and check it out.

cech library reading room

Langsam Library offers extended hours during exams

Need a place to study for exams? Working late on a class project? The Walter C. Langsam Library has extended building hours now through exams. Sunday – Thursday, the building is open until 3am. The Desk@Langsam will maintain regular hours. The Exam hours are listed on the Libraries website.

students studying in Langsam Library

Announcing the Esports Zone @ Langsam

Available now on the 4th floor of the Walter C. Langsam Library, the Esports Zone @ Langsam includes five computer stations with pre-installed, free-to-play video games. Stations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Log in with UC credentials to access the full game collection.

esports zone @ langsam

Join us for the Indie VR Games Showcase

Monday, October 27, 2025 ~ 12:30-4pm ~ Esports Zone @ Langsam and Langsam 410

Presented by the UC Game Lab, in collaboration with UC Libraries, and in honor of the new Esports Zone @ Langsam and activities of the Immersive Learning and Emerging Technologies group, the UC Game Lab will showcase some recent and classic indie VR games, with an eye for innovative titles that spark the imagination. Come play or watch others play, and learn more about these new technologies.

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries.

source

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries.

In this issue of Source, Liz Kiscaden, dean and university librarian, welcomes Bearcats to campus and we highlight what we did over the summer. We announce a new digital collection, The Daniel S. Young Archives of Medical Illustrations, as well as a collaboration to digitize rare manuscripts. We invite readers to the upcoming Cecil Striker Annual Lecture, “Pharmacy Education in the Queen City,” and to learn more about other Library Events. Chris Platts, assistant professor of art history and frequent collaborator with the Libraries, talks about some of his projects and research interests. And Katie Foran-Mulcahy writes about efforts to re-make the MakerLab in the CECH Library.

Read these articles, as well as past issues, on the website. To receive Source via e-mail, contact melissa.norris@uc.edu to be added to the mailing list.

UC Libraries sponsors Undergraduate Research Summer Learning Community

Are you or do you know an undergraduate who is interested in doing research in the future or is currently active in research? 

summer cohort

The Undergraduate Research Summer Learning Community is sponsored by UC Libraries in collaboration with McNair Scholars, University Honors Discover program, and CCPS Undergraduate Research Program and will run from June 4 to July 23, Wednesday mornings 9:30-11 am via zoom and in-person. 

The sessions will focus on professional skills such as data management, research ethics, ownership of work, and research presentations that help students thrive in a research environment.  It is free and open to all undergraduates regardless of university affiliation.

 You can find information about the weekly sessions and the registration link on the UC Libraries website.  Email aksdata@uc.edu with questions.

summer cohort flyer

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries.

source

Read Source, the online newsletter, to learn about the news, events, people and happenings in UC Libraries.

In this issue of Source, Liz Kiscaden, dean and university librarian, writes about how UC Libraries is taking advantage of funding opportunities to Invest in Strategic Priorities. The Archives and Rare Books Library announces receipt of a national grant to process historic Cincinnati schools desegregation case records.The Carl Solway Gallery Archive in the Robert A. Deshon and Karl J. Schlachter Library for Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) Library is featured. Ted Baldwin, head of the Sciences Libraries, writes about how the razing of the iconic Crosley Tower will necessitate the move of the current Chemistry-Biology Library space to Braunstein Hall where it will merge with the Geology-Mathematics-Physics Library to become the Science Library opening fall semester.

Beginning in 2025, the Preservation Lab expanded its mission to provide expertise and services to the larger cultural heritage community, moving to a regional lab model. Under this new model, the Preservation Lab is now entirely managed, staffed and equipped by the University of Cincinnati. Two articles: Re-introducing the Preservation Lab and Exploring Historical Bindings: A Hands-On Workshop at UC’s Archives and Rare Books Library celebrate the Preservation Lab. Open Access publishing opportunities are discussed in this issue and upcoming Library Events are listed.

Read these articles, as well as past issues, on the website. To receive Source via e-mail, contact melissa.norris@uc.edu to be added to the mailing list.

Need to study for exams? UC Libraries has multiple locations and options to fit all your needs.

As we enter Exam Week (Dec. 8-14), check out UC Libraries various library locations to find the spot right for you.

Langsam Library’s three floors offer a variety of study options from quiet (6th floor) to more communal (4th floor). Students can find a spot to meet their study goals at a carrel, group study room, the Langsam Living Room or a high-top table at Starbucks. During exams, Langsam offers extended hours.

langsam library

Is Langsam getting a little crowded? Visit one of our other library locations. Some recommendations:

snag a study room in CECH; work on a comfy couch at the DAAP Library; finish a project in the CEAS Library reading room

The Classics Library and the CCM Library, both located in Blegen, both have quiet Reading Rooms. The GMP and Chem-Bio libraries feature large, open areas with desks and flexible seating options. For those on the medical campus, the Health Sciences Library has three floors of study options.

In addition, to UC Libraries, the university offers multiple study spaces including in college buildings, coffee shops, TUC and other student centers.

Good luck, Bearcats!

Langsam Library offers extended hours through exams

Need a place to study for exams? Working late on a class project? The Walter C. Langsam Library has extended building hours beginning Sunday, Dec. 1st through exams.

The Desk@Langsam will maintain regular hours.

extended hours. langsam library open until 3am, sunday-thursday, dec. 1-11

Extended Building Hours:

Sunday, Dec. 1: 8am-3am
Monday-Thursday, Dec. 2-5: 8am-3am
Friday, Dec. 6: 8am-10pm
Saturday, Dec. 7: Noon-10pm
Sunday, Dec. 8: Noon-3am
Monday-Wednesday, Dec. 9-11: 8am-3am
Friday, Dec.12: 8am-5pm

Winter Break hours begin Saturday, Dec.13.