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Thanks to former Dean of University Libraries Arthur Hafner, Bracken Library is not just for reading. Students can loan cameras and laptops, use an array of media editing software, meet with friends in a private study room and even buy coffee because of changes implemented during his time.
Hafner formally resigned from his position two weeks ago after 12 years in the position. Hafner had been ill before his resignation.
“Resigned, retired. We’re not sure of his actual status,” said John Straw, Assistant Dean for Digital Initiatives and Special Collections. Straw worked with Hafner on digitizing the libraries.
The Friends of Bracken Library Banquet on April 1 plans to recognize everything Hafner did for the libraries, said Straw.
“He resigned about two weeks ago. He had been on medical leave for a period. I think it was just time to move on. It’s basically retirement,” said Straw.
Hafner joined BSU in 2002 and quickly set a goal to offer user-friendly technology every student could use. One of the focuses to achieve this goal involved integrating library collections with the computers.
“There’s always the books. The books haven’t gone away," Straw said. "[Hafner] knew it was more important to have access to everything—all of our books, all of our resources—because it’s not about owning anymore. You can’t own everything. It’s about partnership and collaboration."
Hafner made “A Destination for Research, Learning and Friends” the tagline of the library as well as a goal. The mission aims to partner current technology with a focus on serving students, according to Ball State University Libraries’ Mission.
The library has semi-regularly published a report that details the libraries’ new achievements called Major Accomplishments. This report is a summary of significant performance as it relates to library objectives, according to the University Library Website. The last report was published in 2012.
“He was very much intro metrics,” said Straw. “He wanted to make sure that everything we did was published online for everyone to see.”
In addition to summaries of annual performance, the libraries’ website also has a dashboard that displays current statistics on library performance. The statistics include the number of room reservations, number of computers in use, gate count and Facebook likes.
In addition to publishing numbers, Hafner set out to grow numbers for library accessibility and staff. Prior to the new initiatives, there were about 800,000 library visits each year, compared to 1,700,000 last year, according to the University Libraries’ 10-Year Report.
The University Libraries’ 10-Year Report discussed history of the library, transformative years and future goals. The report was authored by Straw and Hafner.
“[My] early conversations with students and faculty revealed a gap between the Libraries’ programs and the students needs and expectations. Some of these expectations included convenient access to librarians, a comfortable and friendly atmosphere, increased access to print and digital collections, new technology and software, and space for [learning],” said Hafner in the report.
The search for the next dean will be conducted by Vice President of Information Technology Philip Repp, said Straw. Repp could not be reached for comment.
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