Differences in Influence
One result is fewer interactions in the library. Davis recalls everyone always asked questions of the staff and of each other, but that no one does that anymore. Students check physical books out less frequently due to the accessibility and viability of online-only research which can be done anywhere; back in the times before the internet people had to go into the library to conduct research of any kind. Every assignment would require a trip to the stacks, and with it came connections with the library staff and with the library itself. Davis mentions having relationships with students who came in regularly for research, but no longer does one need to ask a librarian where the materials are since they no longer need to physically locate a book. Since the establishment of feasible digital scholarship, no longer are students using books. No books means no looking around, and no looking around means no interpersonal interaction, and no interaction means no relationships. Davis describes that this change in culture, along with the magnitudes of growth Rowan has undergone, reduces the feeling of "family" the university once had. It is still present, somewhat, but less so than before.
However, not every change in culture is isolating; the culture separates and the culture brings together in new ways. Davis told me about a shift in academics toward interdisciplinary studies. No longer are individual departments keeping to their individual fields; the library's move towards fostering collaboration grew outward to the faculty. Departments are coming together to address problems they struggle with individually and to teach students in increasingly nuanced ways. Rowan has been a liberal arts university for quite some time, but recently the interdisciplinary learning of students is reaching new heights. Arts and Engineering are coming together to host events that draw on their respective students's skills to produce a product that shines in both form and factor. This is just one example of the host of interaction between areas that previously never once looked at each other. And where do they collaborate? The library, of course.
The library holds a central position on campus, (currently) geographically and (always) culture-wise; changes to campus reflect on the library, and changes to the library reflect on campus. Rowan's library has come a long way from being stuck in a room in Bunce hall, just as Rowan has come a long way from being stuck in Bunce Hall; eventually Rowan might outgrow Campbell, but until that day comes, Campbell will continue to evolve to serve the university's needs.