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Carl S. Swisher Library Mission Statement

• Provide resources and services that support and promote academic excellence
• Provide timely and quality instruction in various formats to suit learner needs
• Collect, organize, and preserve significant college and community information
• Provide a pleasant environment conducive for teaching and learning that fosters high expectations
• Provide quality user-friendly services that support user needs
• Provide a library staff that is efficient in promoting continuous growth of resources and services
• Facilitate collaboration with members of the college community to improve resources and services

The Carl S. Swisher Library & Learning Resources Center (LRC) was constructed in 1971 and now contains over 140,000 volumes, in addition to periodicals, audio and video tapes, microforms and other non-print materials.  The library is open over 90 hours per week including evenings and weekends. It has a full-time staff of eight librarians and six support staff members.  The library serves the entire campus of faculty, staff, students, and administrators, satellite campuses, as well as other community constituents.

The library/learning resources center features an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) that provides access to the library’s collection via the Internet.  In addition, it also provides access to a number of subscribed electronic databases available 24/7, both on-campus and remotely, from any online computer station. These databases feature electronic periodicals, newspapers, and electronic books in support of academic programs.  The electronic resources are particularly tailored to support the undergraduate distance learning programs, and the graduate and professional studies programs.

The library/learning resources center offers a number of services, including reference, research instruction, copy and fax service, non-print media service, interlibrary loan (ILL) and computer access.  All services are offered during hours of operation.

The Carl S. Swisher Library/Learning Resources Center houses a number of conference rooms for group study, exhibition areas, computer center, learning commons, and college archives.  Special collections include the Mary McLeod Bethune,  Florence Roane, Attica Collection, and the Black Collection of books by and about Blacks.  The archival area is the repository for documents, photographs and other materials of historic value to the university.

The library falls under the administrative Office of the Provost, under the leadership of Provost Dr. Helena Mariella-Walrond.  The library receives system support from the Center for Information Technology which is directed by the vice president of general services and information technology, Dr. Franklin Patterson.