Austin Peay library highlights renovations, makerspace and community programs

Martina Malvasi, director of library services at Austin Peay State University, told the Board of Trustees on April 11, 2025 that the campus library has completed first- and second-floor renovations and is planning a larger, more flexible renovation of the third floor to support student learning and collaboration.

Malvasi told trustees the library’s 2024 activity included course integration and high usage of new discovery tools: "Last year, January through December of 2024, the library had almost 315 visitors. The faculty had 86 face-to-face classes where we taught over 3,000 students. They were also embedded in 74 classes, reaching over 2,000 students. Our new p search, which is a new discovery research tool, the basic search, we had over 433,000 basic searches and almost 45,000 advanced searches." She said those services and statistics show the library’s role in classroom support and research.

Malvasi described the renovated main floor as a more open, accessible environment with a variety of seating and height-adjustable tables, individual and group study rooms, and library signage and imagery adopting Austin Peay branding. She emphasized accessibility work in coordination with the library’s business and accessibility specialist, naming Christy Cunningham by role.

The presentation gave particular attention to the library’s makerspace and VR lab. Malvasi credited staff members Tianna Sherry and Dominic Kroll with building the space and listed equipment and activities now available: 3D printing, a Cricut cutting machine, a heat press, embroidery and sewing gear, fiber arts tools, and virtual reality experiences. She said faculty sometimes assign class projects that use the space and that the makerspace is open to students, staff, faculty and the Clarksville community.

Malvasi shared examples of programming and outreach: workshops such as beginning crocheting, a monthly Dungeons & Dragons night funded by a student academic success grant, participation in community events like Magic in the Park and a Halloween event that provides activities and giveaways, and collaborations with faculty on creative projects such as an art-and-literature project called "Unbannable Books." She said the library will expand community-facing workshops for younger students and adult learners.

On facilities, Malvasi said Floors 1 and 2 renovations are finishing and that the third floor—home to the book stacks—will be the next focus. She described plans for flexible study rooms and an installation collection, noting the third floor’s complexity because of existing stacks.

Trustees praised the makerspace and renovation work during the meeting. No formal board action was required on the library report.

The spotlight presentation was delivered as an information item; questions from trustees followed the presentation.