Mount Michael Alum Starts Free Libary
Mount Michael Alum, Dr. Jeff Kosse ’89 is an English professor at Iowa Western. Like many schools, Iowa Western Community College has gone with a cyber-only library. While Dr. Kosse recognizes the value of online resources he also sees the need and great value of physical books for many readers. He has started a Free Library at Iowa Western with a Take-a-book, Leave-a-book policy.
Mount Michael’s library also recognizes the value of both digital and print resources. In addition to multiple digital databases we have a permanent shared holding of over 40,000 eBooks that is supplemented yearly with new eBook purchases to match specific curricular needs. We also have a print collection of 11,000 books. About 1/2 of the print collection is fiction. Mount Michael likes to think they have the best collection of “Guy” books found anywhere.
According to Mount Michael’s librarian Bro. Luke Clinton OSB “Much of our fiction collection has been generated by meeting the specific requests of students. We have Amazon prime 2-day shipping so new book requests are fulfilled quickly.” What better way is there to create a popular fiction collection for teenage boys!
Checking today’s print circulation statistics, there are currently over 160 print books checked out at Mount Michael.