Library Spaces & Collections

Collections in the Library include: 

• Main Stacks: This is the main circulating collection of the library. These stacks are located on the north side of the library and are organized by the Dewey Decimal System.
• New Books: These items are located on a table and shelves right inside the library doors. Almost all new items can be checked out. Any reference items in New Books are library use only.
• Media: Media materials are located in a little corner to the left of the Reference shelves. These items are all items are circulating.
• Periodicals: Current periodicals from 5 years ago to current are located on shelves at the far north end of the Library, and the most recent issue of those journals are located in the northeast corner right across from the current periodical shelves. Periodicals older than 5 years are located in compact storage. If you need a journal from compact storage, stop by the Library desk and we'll get it for you. All periodicals are library use only.
• Reference: These books are located in the long brown bookshelves just past the Library desk and right before you get to the main stacks. Reference items are non-circulating and can only be used within the library.
• Reserves: These shelves are located across from the Library desk and just outside Katherine's office. Reserves items are usually non-circulating, except for items that have a 7-day loan sticker on the cover. If you need to check out a non-circulating reserves item, stop by the Library desk to ask. 

Our Compact Storage collection is also known as our closed stacks and is not accessible to our patrons. If you need an item from compact storage stop by the Library desk and we'll grab it for you.

The Sayre Special Collections Room houses two special collections:

• Discipliana Collection: This collection is housed in the Sayre Special Collection Rooms in the northeast corner of the Library. This collection is open to students and faculty, and almost all items in the collection can be checked out.
• Merrick Collection: This archival collection is housed in the Sayre Special Collections Room in the northeast corner of the Library. While the majority of this collection is circulating, the journals and ephemera located in archival boxes and storage boxes are non-circulating. Please email our archivist, Phillipa Rosman, for more information, including how to access this collection.

The Beasley Rare Book Room contains approximately seven-hundred rare titles, many originating from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Some noteworthy items are:

• A 1479 Vulgate Bible
• A 1529 Great Byble
• A 1596 Hamburg edition of the Polyglot Bible
• Alexander Campbell’s Christianity Restored dating from 1835

This collection requires an appointment to view and use Rare Book Room materials. If you would like to see something that is housed in our rare book room or archives please email our archivist, Phillipa Rosman, to set up an appointment.

The library offers several areas for student and group seating. Larger groups may gather in the Lewellyn Commons at the front of the library. Seating zones in this space include an armchair and coffee table pod, 4-seater table areas, a sectional with coffee table area, computer table area, and a glassed semi-private room for the use of rare materials or conducting interviews. A flat screen display is available for class use. 

At the north end of the main stacks users can find a collection of armchairs surrounding a coffee table ideal for small-group discussions or retreat.

The Imbler Conference Rooms are ideal for private small group meetings; each contains a conference table and white board.