Learning, development abound at MAFB library Published Aug. 14, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Stratton Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Upon completing your visit with the folks in the education and training sections, you decide a good book from the base library is just what the doctor ordered. "We have more than just books here," said Lindsey Guderjahn, 5th Force Support Squadron library director. "People would be surprised what else they can find at the library." Indeed, the base library offers much more than just a good read. You can find everything from the base's only public computer lab to brand-new DVDs ready for check-out. The library supports a three-fold purpose: mission, education and quality of life. "As far as the mission is concerned, we buy databases, magazines, training and maintenance materials, as well as other crucial manuals base organizations may need to get their job done," Ms. Lindsey said. One of the ways the library enhances education is to provide resources and staff assistance for classes held in the base education center on the second floor of the Francis X. Deignan Center. "I go upstairs when lecturers are needed for English classes," said Ms. Lindsey. "I will go up and talk to a class about how to do research, use proper sources and do citations." Another way the library supports its three-fold mission is to offer study materials for College Level Examination Program and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support tests. "If a student would like to take a CLEP or DANTES test on a class, we have much of the study material needed," Ms. Lindsey added. "In addition, just recently we received CD-ROMs containing a unique software and textbook combination that is just like taking an actual class for the CLEP and DANTES tests." In addition, the base library has a wide selection of children's books as well as the latest fiction and non-fiction books. The library is also a part of the international library exchange, so if it doesn't have a book someone is looking for, the staff can easily find it. "Our base library does a great job being responsive to the diverse needs of the Minot Air Force Base community," said Maj. Melanie Lewis, 5th Force Support Squadron commander. "Not only does the library partner to contribute to the education and professional development of our adult population, but it also provides Minot AFB families access to home-school materials, online references and publications, and children reading programs." Other services available at the library are an all-purpose conference room, rentable music CDs, lunch deck for hungry students, several databases packed full of information for those doing research or just browsing, story time, books on audio, and the upcoming self-serve coffee bar scheduled to open Sept. 5. "Our library has something for everyone and is a place the whole family can truly enjoy together," Major Lewis said. For more information on the base library, call 723-3344 or visit http://library.minot.accqolnet.org. [Editor's note: This article is part three of a three-part series highlighting the services offered at the Francis X. Deignan Center here.]