The Central Library has six floors providing study and creative learning spaces.
File photo / Samarie Goffney
From research and writing to video games and crafts, the UTA Central Library houses many services for students to take advantage of.
The library contains numerous spaces for quiet or collaborative study that facilitate academic success, according to its website.
Lauren Stutler, director of Creative Spaces and Services, talked about the community aspect of the library.
“This space is also somewhere we want people to make sure that they find their place,” Stutler said.
The Basement
The space is a recreational and educational gaming area.
According to its website, the space offers a welcoming community for game creation, analysis and play, offering the newest and most up-to-date consoles and equipment.
All services offered within the space are free to current UTA students, faculty and staff. Visitors need a physical Mav ID for equipment use.
The FabLab sits on the first floor of the Central Library.
File photo / Samarie Goffney
FabLab
On the library’s first floor, the lab offers various equipment and training for learners of any experience level, according to its website. A few of the lab’s offerings include 3D printers, laser cutters, screen printers, kilns and sewing machines.
Any library supplied materials and consumables will be charged through Mav Money, with prices varying depending on material type. Students must have a physical Mav ID for access to the lab’s equipment.
“Learners are also welcome to come and bring their own materials with them, provided that they are accepted within our space,” Stutler said.
The Studios
On the library’s first floor, the area provides spaces for photography, videography, graphic design, music production, motion capture, coding and robotics, according to the library website.Spaces are available for reservation.
Students can also check out equipment through the library’s Tech Lending program, where items are free unless the person returns it very late or loses it, Stutler said.
Academic Success Center
On the library’s second floor, the center provides undergraduate students with free individualized tutoring in a variety of courses.
The center looks to partner with students to maximize their success for free through one-on-one in-person or online tutoring via TutorTrac. Additionally, eTutoring is available through Canvas.
The center also offers MavUp Tutoring where students can access peer tutoring from someone who has excelled in the class.
Students can access tutoring by scheduling appointments through Knack at uta.joinknack.com.
Research Mavs
On the third floor of the library, experienced students can provide guidance and offer support throughout the research process, according to the Research Mavs website.
Research Success librarian Collin Stephenson said the goal is to give students the ability and confidence to be successful in their research throughout their college career.
In-person or online sessions can be scheduled, and students can go at any point in their research process.
Stephenson urges students to plan when seeking help from Research Mavs.
“We may not be able to meet everyone’s need at the same time,” Stephenson said. “Having that planning ahead mentality is just a guarantee of getting the help that you need at the right time.”
The Writing Center is located on the fourth floor of the Central Library.
File photo / Samarie Goffney
Writing Center
On the fourth floor of the library, the center offers academic and scholarly writing assistance for students and faculty.
Michael Brittain, director of the UTA Writing Center, said the center’s main goal is to get students comfortable and confident in their writing process.
The center offers in-person or online appointments in 30- to 60-minute sessions through www.uta.edu/ owl. Students are able to make a maximum of three appointments per week.
Special Collections is located on the sixth floor of the Central Library.
File photo / Samarie Goffney
Special Collections
On the sixth floor of the library, the archival space looks to acquire, preserve and make available historical materials to researchers, according to the library’s website.
Evan Spencer, outreach and instruction archivist at Special Collections, said the collection focuses on Texas history, specifically the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
No appointment is required, but students are encouraged to contact the staff ahead of time either through email or phone number located on the library’s website.
Spencer said Special Collections and Archives has over 100,000 collection items digitized and available for free on MavMatrix, UTA’s institutional repository and archival hub.
Students can find additional academic resources through:
Division of Student Success
Serving as the focal point for campus programming, the division helps first-year students successfully transition to college life and meet the academic challenges set by faculty, according to its website.
Academic Testing Center
The center provides testing opportunities to UTA students and community members to help meet their academic and professional goals, according to its website.
Testing times vary based on the exam. All exams must be scheduled in advance and walk-ins are not allowed.
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