Nicholson Library Implements ARPA Grant Spending

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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University and the Nicholson Library have announced the implementation of its American Rescue Plan Act grant spending. The library received $18,579 with the funds to be spent in support of distance and dual modality learning and collaboration.

This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.

“In the summer of 2021 when the grant was written, we focused on the challenges of the pandemic and readily identified our need for better digitization equipment as a top priority,” said Janet Brewer, library director. “We divided our grant focus into two areas: digital content and meeting room upgrades and technology.”

The library purchased a brand-new saddleback overhead scanner to meet a digital content need. While the saddleback overhead scanner is not for public use, library staff and student workers are using the equipment daily to digitize resources for archival preservation.

To upgrade the meeting rooms, the library installed a digital view board interactive display, nine glass whiteboards, and an audio/visual conferencing system.

“We have already observed students using the equipment in the group study rooms for collaborative work and study sessions,” said Brewer. “Students now have the capability for in-person and distance connection through the use of the OWL Pro audio/visual conferencing system.”

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.