Welcome to the University Library! The library includes the Parks Library, where the central collections and services are located, the Veterinary Medical Library, and four reading rooms (Design, Physical Sciences, Economics and Sociology, and Mathematics). The Parks Library is one of the most heavily-used buildings on campus, and students make substantial use of its collections, services, and study space.

We live in what is often called the information age, and libraries have pivotal roles in providing resources to support societal information needs. The University Library has over 2,300,000 volumes and subscribes to 29,000 serials, numerous service desks to help you in using the library collections, and beautiful artwork.

In addition to our physical collections, you have access through the Internet to our e-Library, whether you are in the Parks Library or from campus computer labs, dorm rooms, and apartments.  The e-Library is a multi-faceted library in and of itself and it parallels our physical library.  It includes the Library catalog; over 6000 e-journals, a variety of newspapers, and a vast array of Internet resources; several library services such as an electronic reference form, interlibrary loan request forms, and your personal circulation information; and electronic exhibits.

The library's mission is to support the learning and research needs of students and faculty. How much you use the library, other than a quiet place to study, will depend upon class assignments and your own motivation. Use of our collections and services should substantially assist you in completing class assignments, writing term papers, and investigating areas of personal interest.

Library 160 is a course designed to acquaint you with many useful library services and how to access the extensive library collections found in the Parks Library, its branch libraries and the e-Library. The library and research skills you learn through our instructional program should serve you well as a student and after you graduate.  The library staff and I look forward to assisting you in your undergraduate career.

Sincerely,

Olivia M.A. Madison
Dean of Library Services