By Joslyn DelSignore / Jambar Contributor
William F. Maag, Jr. Library at Youngstown State University is seeing a significant jump in visitors. An additional 9,275 people entered the library in fall 2025 compared to fall 2024, and the number of people using the open lab area and adjacent student areas increased by 6,676, according to codirectors of the Maag Library.
The fourth floor group study space saw an increase of 6,522 people, and the fifth floor silent study space increased by 919.
With Kilcawley Center under construction since spring 2025, to bring modern changes and updates to campus, the construction has limited meeting spaces for students. Throughout this process, students and campus businesses have continued to adapt.
Christine Adams, codirector of Maag Library, said she sees the adaptation as an opportunity.
“It’s been more of an opportunity than a challenge,” Adams said.
Ana Torres, codirector and head of Library Services and Operations, said the change has given them ways to expand resources for campus members.
“We have seen this time as an opportunity to expand even our resources and our spaces, so that the students can also learn more about what resources are available to them,” Torres said.
The library has partnered with the Office of Student Activities and University Events to process space reservations and make better use of space for groups on campus.
In addition, Adams said the library made many changes throughout the facility to benefit students.
The main floor was reorganized to add more student spaces. Adams said furniture from Kilcawley was also repurposed and moved to the library to accommodate additional seating areas.
Additional furniture and white boards were purchased, as well as new lamps for the individual study rooms for better lighting.
Media equipment was added to Room 142 on the main floor to accommodate for virtual and in-person meetings.
Services previously in Kilcawley have been relocated to the library. The IT Service Desk is on the fourth floor, and Tutoring Services is on the third floor.
The library offers a multitude of resources for students to use whenever they need. Students can check out textbooks, medical models, phone chargers and calculators. It also offers access to individual and group study rooms, data bases and staff members that can help students with their research.
Maag Library has also been hosting events, such as movie nights, for students to gather and spend time on campus.
“We not only have the things that enrich your academic experience, but also help you relax and enrich your personal life,” Torres said.
Some campus events have been relocated to the library, such as the American Red Cross Blood Drive that was hosted in January. Torres said the event was a success.
“We hope that those collaborations continue, and that the classrooms and other spaces can continue to be used as alternative spaces for student organizations,” Torres said.
The codirectors said they take pride in the library being open and available to students especially in the evenings and weekends.
“We try to remain flexible and open to not just collaborations but even ideas from the students so we can see what you need,” Torres said.
If students have an idea they would like to share with the library staff, they can contact either of the codirectors via email or phone, found on Maag Library’s website.