Overview
The library strives to create a physical environment that is welcoming, centered on learning, intellectually-stimulating, as well as socially-engaging. There are areas for individual and group study, use of technology, instructor-led classes, educational and culturally- stimulating events, and more. The Library, along with Distance Learning and the Academic Success Center make up Middlesex's Learning Commons, which also houses Pegasus Green.
Facilities
The Library is equipped with assistive technology for people with disabilities.
Equipment includes:
- Computer with a large monitor, keyboard, and trackball mouse.
- A scanner, adjustable desk for computer, and low vision reader station.
A computer with a large keyboard has the following software installed:
- Zoomtext (screen and font enlarger)
- Dragon Naturally Speaking 10 (speech recognition program for composing and editing text)
- Kurzweil 3000 (reading, writing, and learning software for those with learning difficulties)
- WindowEyes (screen reader for navigating the computer by sound)
Headphones and a microphone may be checked out at the front desk. For help with equipment or software, ask at the front desk.
If you’ve been assigned a group project that includes a presentation, the Library offers a total of four (4) collaborative workstations (Mac and PC). Each workstation seats up to five (5) students.
These workstations are intended for academic use only and may be booked in advance at the front desk. The following policies apply to the workstations:
- Reservations are accepted on the spot for groups of 2 or more only if a station is free.
- Workstations can only be reserved or occupied for a period of up to 2 hours.
- Walk-up groups of 2 or more may use the workstations – if they are not booked – for a period of up to 2 hours.
- If there is no one waiting to use a station after 2 hours, groups are permitted to stay longer.
- Reasonable low-level talking is permitted at the workstations.
- Covered drinks are permitted; however, no food allowed.
The library has a computer lab with PCs and Macs with Microsoft Office suite and Internet access. Priority is given to students engaged in academic work. Students, faculty, and staff must sign-in with their NetID and password. Members of the public must obtain a temporary username and password at the main desk. Printing is limited to 200 pages per semester and 25 pages for a single job without charge.
The library has a printer with a copier and scanner. Copying and scanning is free. CT State students, faculty, and staff will need to log in with theri UNIFLOW user name. If you are not sure what your UNIFLOW username is, please ask at the library front desk for assistance.
The Library Instruction Classroom seats 25 at computers, with room for additional laptops and seating. It is primarily intended to support the Library’s instruction and information literacy programs. When the room is not in use by library staff, the computers within the classroom will be made available for use by library patrons, and MxCC faculty and staff may reserve the room.
Considerations for use of the Library Instruction Classroom are made on a case-by-case basis by our librarians using the following guidelines:
- The classroom is intended for library instruction and librarian-assisted research sessions.
- As this is not a general-purpose classroom, no classes or meetings will be scheduled on an ongoing (recurring) basis.
- During peak library instruction periods (Fall: Oct. and Nov.; Spring: March and April), MxCC faculty teaching credit classes as well as individuals teaching non-credit classes may reserve the room (if available) up to five days prior to the actual class session.
- During nonpeak times, reservations by MxCC faculty, staff, and noncredit instructors are made on a first come, first served basis.
- Requests for reservation are made by contacting the Library, either through email (mx-library@ctstate.edu), phone (860.343.5830), or in person.
- Special arrangements for other programs and classroom use will be made on a case-by-case basis by the Library Director.
Pegasus Gallery is housed within the Jean Burr Smith Library and curated by Art professor Matt Weber. Exhibits are changed on an ongoing basis showcasing the works of local professional artists as well as those by MxCC students and faculty.
The gallery is open the same hours as the Library.
Pegasus Green provides physical and virtual learning environments for MxCC faculty, students, and staff to explore emerging technologies, to encourage collaboration, and to inspire academic excellence.
Equipped with modern technology, rooms are designed for group project work including developing and rehearsing presentations; video recording and production; virtual orientations; training and tutoring; web conferencing; and overall green initiatives.
For more details including how to book this space, refer to this guide: