From technical equipment to research help, Eastern Michigan University's Bruce T. Halle Library offers much more to students than just books.
Tech Loan Program
In 2021, Kelly Getz, the STEM librarian, applied for a Women in Philanthropy grant to purchase materials for the Tech Loan Program. When it was launched, the program started with five laptops and their corresponding charging cords. Now, the collection includes portable second monitors, SD card readers, computer mice, USB-C cables and HDMI adapters to connect laptops to televisions and other monitors.
The collection expanded in 2023 to include content creator tool kits, headsets, microphones, recording equipment, ring lights and a portable projector. Now, it also includes graphing and scientific calculators.
Currently, the library is not planning to get more equipment. However, Margaret Loebe, the circulation coordinator, is open to suggestions from students regarding new types of equipment they would like to have added to the collection.
Different items in the collection have different borrowing rules. Most items are on a four-hour loan system and cannot be taken out of the library.
To use an item, students can request what they need at the library service desk and swipe their student ID. When students finish using the equipment or their borrowing time is up, they can return the item to a staff member at the library service desk.
Podcasting
The library also offers loanable podcasting equipment and recording studios to students. Those interested in using these resources can make a reservation on the Halle Library website, pick up the podcasting kit and the key to the podcast studio at the library service desk, and use one of the three soundproof rooms.
The rooms can be reserved for a one-hour block of time, no more than seven days in advance.
Students in need of instructions for how to use the podcasting equipment can refer to the tutorial video linked on the Halle Library website.
Research help
New to the Halle Library for the fall 2025 semester is the Library Research Center. Although the library has always offered students research help, the official title is new.
The Library Research Center has four specific ways it can help students.
First, students can visit the desk in person. Librarians are available during library hours Monday through Thursday.
Students can also make appointments in person or online through the Halle Library website. This can be done by scheduling a general appointment with any librarian or requesting time with a subject librarian for assistance in a specific area of study.
Next, the library offers a 24/7 Ask a Librarian chat on the Library Research Center page of its website. The chat is a cooperative of academic librarians. Students can leave an email or submit a question for assistance at any time.
Finally, librarians also meet with classes to host research workshops.
Librarians specialize in specific areas of study such as social work, education, business and more. All librarians can help with interpreting assignments, finding information, checking if facts are credible and citing sources. They can also help students evaluate whether certain artificial intelligence sources are reliable or valuable.
Sara Memmott, a librarian specializing in social work, mentioned her willingness to help students, especially when they need help considering the use of AI.
“I hope that students will reach out to us in whatever way works for them,” Memmott said.
Pawffice hours
Finally, the Halle Library is frequented by EMU's facility dog, Tinker — a golden retriever who loves to spend time with students. Every Monday and Wednesday from 2-3:30 p.m., Tinker can be found on the ground floor of the library for her Pawffice Hours, wagging her tail and waiting for students to say hello.
Tinker, EMU's facility dog, naps on the floor with her nose resting on her bag. (Courtesy of Jennifer Kellman-Fritz)
Whether a student needs a laptop charger, a podcast room, help with a project, or a very soft head to pet, EMU's Halle Library has it all.
