The extensive collections and services within the University Libraries reflect and support the broad range of academic and scholarly interests reflected in the curriculum and research concentration of the University. Subject specialty librarians are available for assistance either in person or via chat and email. The University Libraries share with other campus libraries online access to each other’s common and specialized resources. Extensive special collections are available either in print or electronic full-text and are accessible via searchable Web sites. Computers for access to rich electronic full-text resources and for locating physical materials within the buildings are available for use and for borrowing. As a member of OhioLINK, the Center for Research Libraries, and OCLC, Inc., the libraries have immediate electronic access to millions of scholarly and general resources throughout the state and the nation. The library offers many conveniences for the benefit of its users, including: electronic document delivery service; a scanning station; two quick print stations; lamination service; and sales of USB drives, floppy disks and headphones.
Named for Civil-War era General Lucius Bierce, whose personal library constituted the first collection of the University Libraries, Bierce Library opened in its present four-story facility on Buchtel Common in 1973. Within this library are resources and services that support the humanities, fine and applied arts, social sciences, and business. Amenities such as a coffee shop, group project areas, viewing and listening carrels, and private study rooms provide an atmosphere conducive to learning.
Renovated and expanded in 2003, the Science and Technology Library is conveniently located at 104 Auburn Science Center close to the academic disciplines its collections and services support, such as pure and applied sciences, engineering, nursing and allied health fields, and polymer science and polymer engineering. The library includes the holdings and papers of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society. Group project rooms and comfortable lounge furniture in designated quiet areas provide a sound study environment.
Located on the lower level of the Polsky building, the Archives contain materials by and about the University and its predecessor, Buchtel College, dating back to its founding in 1870. Included are the official records of the University, dissertations and theses, yearbooks, and other University publications. Special collections of Akron area organizations organizations, societies, and associations are also available. A quiet reading room, photocopiers, scanners, and digital cameras are available to support specific research.
The Archives of the History of American Psychology (AHAP), located adjacent to Archival Services on the lower level of the Polsky building, was established in 1965 to promote research in the history of psychology by collecting, cataloging, and preserving the historical record of psychology. Quiet study areas and services for photocopy and other reproduction needs are available.