On Wednesday, April 30, Stockton’s Alliance Heritage Center invited our Access and Engagement Coordinator, Jess Martorano, and our Student Engagement Aid, Luke O’Connor, to present “Future-Proofing the Library” as part of their Mellon lecture series. This engaging talk offered the campus community a closer look at the evolving role of academic libraries and how Stockton is preparing to meet future needs. Jess and Luke shared key insights from their research following more than 20 visits to university libraries across the region. Their goal: to help shape Stockton’s vision of a “Library of the Future.” Through photos, anecdotes, and comparative examples, they highlighted trends in library design and services that prioritize adaptability, student-centered learning, and innovation. Topics included the integration of emerging technologies to support research and creativity, the reimagining of traditional study areas into flexible, multi-use learning environments, and the growing role of Special Collections in preserving institutional identity and supporting unique learning opportunities.
To explore their findings in more detail and see examples from their visits, click here to view the presentation slides and discover what the future of Bjork Library could look like.
On Friday, May 2, our Metadata Librarian, Stephanie Sussmeier, led a Book Mending Workshop at Georgian Court University. The two-hour, in-person session, hosted by LibraryLinkNJ and VALE New Jersey, drew attendees from across the region. During the workshop, Stephanie demonstrated a variety of essential book repair techniques, including page tipping, page and corner repair, spine repair and replacement, hinge reinforcement, and cover restoration.
In addition to the practical demonstrations, she shared insights on selecting the right materials for different types of books—such as hardcovers versus paperbacks—and offered budget-friendly tips using everyday items. She also addressed the pros and cons of various treatment methods, explained how to choose the most appropriate repair strategy, and discussed the expected lifespan of different mending approaches. The workshop provided valuable skills and knowledge for anyone working to preserve and extend the life of their library’s (or personal) book collections.
If you are interested in learning more about book repair or hosting Stephanie for a book mending workshop, feel free to email her at Stephanie.Sussmeier@stockton.edu.