Like most university libraries, the MSU library is well-staffed, well-stocked, and offers lots of extra services. The hours are great, plus extensions with different hours and services add to the benefits available (e.g., business and law libraries). I believe the cafe is open the same hours, too - not common at many libraries! As might be expected, there is no parking (at least close by).
For students and faculty, one nice feature of using a campus computer is that Google Scholar links directly to the research available through journal subscriptions (and it usually works seamlessly). There are frequent workshops on using the services and research tools which can be particularly helpful for new collections.
My only other issue is with the library's recall policy (which seems to be commonplace nowadays). That is, even if faculty or a graduate student can check out a book for 180 days, if someone requests it while checked out, the original borrower has 14 days to return it. I understand the intent, but it does not make practical research sense. For instance, I have seen books held by one student, relevant to classes and research projects, be recalled by their classmates. Instead of sharing any needed material, it becomes a game of "well, then I'll just recall it and get it back in 14 days." Unless the other one pays the fine or loses it - then no one wins. Electronic availability such as Google Books is helping alleviate this problem, yet a longer reading period (or staged according to how long it has already been checked out) would be far more useful. read more