Ball State's University Libraries has surpassed one million visits to its facilities two months earlier than the original deadline.

In July 2004, Arthur Hafner, dean of University Libraries, set a goal of one million visits to Bracken Library during the 2004-05 fiscal year. His goal was achieved by the end of April.

A total of 1,020,290 people passed through the turnstiles at the library entrances by the end of last month. During the past four months, an average of 4,000 people per day visited the library, an increase of 23.2 percent.

Hafner said the learning behaviors and styles of students have changed over the years, and the University Libraries has responded to the changing demands of students in their academic success plan.

"Our services, programs and collections make the University Libraries a center for collaborative learning, exploration and discovery," he said.

Hafner's strategy for achieving the goal was and will continue to be:

• optimizing individual and collaborative study spaces
• offering the latest technology
• providing easy access to librarians and paraprofessionals
• assisting students with their research and technology needs

"Going to the library has become part of the daily routine for thousands of Ball State students as well as members of the commuity," he said. "It is an academic town square; students meet to discuss projects and ideas, to perform research and finalize term papers, and to use productivity software and information management tools for creative projects. There are monthly musical performances and several types of art on loan."

And sometimes students come to the library to have time alone for reading and reflection.

"I invite students, faculty, staff and community members to provide suggestions about ways to strengthen the University Libraries," Hafner said. "These suggestions help librarians and administrators to develop the University Libraries as an intellectual and social gathering place, a destination for research, learning and friends."