Centennial Museum to open Friday

There has been a lot of remodeling in Cook Library this semester.  Some changes are a result of the new layout.  Others, however, are in preparation for the Centennial Museum.

The former computer lab will be transformed into a centennial display that will be opened for the first time this Friday at 3:30 p.m.

The collection of historical items came from the university's archives.

"This is an amazing project, and I'm surprised about the turnout we've received. One thing that meant so much to this museum are the items that have been donated by our Alumni," said Jennifer Payne, the Centennial Celebration Coordinator.

There will be mannequins wearing jerseys and cheerleader outfits as well as antique equipment, football helmets, pom-poms, buttons, stickers, brochures and even a few Student Printz articles chronicling important events throughout Southern Miss' history.

"For anyone who may not know, the Centennial is basically Southern Miss' 100 years of birth celebration.  Anyone is invited to attend the opening ceremony in the Cook Library and refreshments will be served," Payne said.

Head of information services for Cook Library, Tisha Zelner said the computer lab moved to the first floor of the library during the Christmas break to provide more space for students. 

Artwork from faculty and students is on display throughout the first floor now.  The art will be rotated every few months.  The new layout for the library is not expected to change anytime soon, but it is not considered permanent either.   Instead, librarians are calling it a long-term layout.

According to media services specialist, Suzy Elkins, the library has made a partnership with iTech to provide better service to students on campus.

"We have made some technical upgrades and upgraded our system for a faster internet service and for a better computer experience," Zelner said.

The Cook Library hours have also changed this semester. The first floor stays open until 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday.  The first floor stays open for extended hours because it picked up the former computer lab's hours.

Cook Library has a closed-circuit security system for the safety and not exploitation of their patrons and has a security guard on duty at the main entrance after 12 am.