The Miami University Libraries contain an extensive collection of information, ranging from tablets from ancient Babylonia to the latest electronic journals and research databases. Our resources include the following:

• 3 million books
• 110,000 maps
• 26,000 sound recordings
• 20,000 journals, magazines, and newspapers
• thousands of movies, videos, and DVDs
• nearly 3 million pieces of microform

In addition, clients can access over 40 million library items through the OhioLINK library consortium.


Take advantage of extensive facilities

You can enjoy the opportunities for group work and individual study in one of the many spacious library facilities located on the Oxford campus. These include the following:

• King Library
  Open 24/7, Miami's main library contains materials that support the academic programs of humanities, social sciences, and business. It includes the following resources:
  • Government Information and Law
    This department provides access to more than 875,000 items published by the State of Ohio, the U.S government, the United Nations, and the European Union.
  • Walter Havighurst Special Collections
    Clients have access to approximately 60,000 rare, unique, and valuable books, manuscripts, and other research materials.
  
  
• Amos Music Library
  The Amos Music Library, located in the Center for Performing Arts building, holds music books, scores, music periodicals, and the collected works of almost every major composer. It also houses the Music Listening Center, equipped with 46 stations where students can listen to musical recordings.
  
  
• Brill Science Library
  This library contains materials in the sciences, mathematics, and technology. Located at the west end of Hughes Hall, it also houses the Instructional Materials Center (IMC), offering education and curriculum materials for teachers; children's and young adult literature; video/DVD collections; microforms; and audio-visual equipment.
  
  
• Wertz Art/Architecture Library
  This library in Alumni Hall includes holdings for art, architecture, landscape architecture, photography, and interior design.
  
  
• Miami University Archives & Western College Memorial Archives
  These archive collections, housed in Withrow Court and Peabody Hall respectively, contain records, documents, and artifacts spanning the entire history of both Miami University and the Western College for Women.

All facilities now provide wireless network access. King Library and Brill Science Library have a limited number of laptop computers available for in-building use.

"King Cafe," located on the lower level of King Library, offers Starbucks coffee and a wide selection of baked goods and sandwiches. In addition to cash, Miami students can use their ID card for all library goods and services, including refreshments, blank media, and photocopies.

Miami is also served by the Southwest Ohio Regional Depository (SWORD)
This facility on Miami's Middletown campus holds millions of lesser-used library materials from the University of Cincinnati, Wright State University, Central State University, and Miami University.


Locate and manage information online

To help students research, analyze, and communicate information, the Libraries provide the following online services:

• 24-hour Internet Research
  Members of the Miami community can conduct Internet research anytime, day or night.
  
  
• Electronic Reserves
  E-Reserves delivers assignments for hundreds of Miami classes in dozens of academic departments.
  
  
• Interlibrary Loans
  All your interlibrary loan business can be done from any computer. This online service allows you to initiate, track, and renew interlibrary loan requests.
  
  
• Journal Article Photocopying and Delivery
  Articles from journals located at SWORD can be scanned and delivered electronically upon request.
  
  
• Online Renewals
  You can check your circulation record and renew books online.
  
  
• Electronic Data Center (EDC)
  The EDC provides access to extensive collections of numeric data files; software for data manipulation, research and instruction; and Internet-accessible data extraction tools.
  
  
• Geographic Information Services (GIS)
  The Geographic Information Center provides access to geographic data and software, providing instruction and assistance in its use.

Get help from the experts

The Libraries are more than a repository for information. Whether you are seeking assistance face-to-face or help from halfway around the world, the following resources are available to answer your questions:

• Online Reference Service
  This service enables students to interact with librarians using instant messaging technology from any Internet-accessible computer anywhere in the world.
  
  
• Reference Desks and Help Desks
  Available in each library to assist you in your research. Ask a question! Librarians answer more than 3,000 questions each week.
  
  
• Subject Specialists
  Our subject specialists are available for in-depth questions within a particular discipline or requests for a specific library instruction.

Gain skills through extended learning

In addition to expert assistance, we provide the following tools to help you help yourself in developing information literacy:

• Center for Information Management (CIM)
  This self-service facility, located in King Library, can be used to master essential information production tools in individual or informal group settings. At CIM, you can learn to use a variety of multimedia technology, including digital scanners, digital and video cameras, and audio and movie recording/editing software.
  
  
• E-learn Tutorial
  This online service enables you to learn core research skills at your own convenience. Whether it's finding the right books or searching the Internet more effectively, e-learn can help you find the best information for your classes, your job search, and more.
  
  
• Technology and Information Management Workshops
  Each semester, librarians teach valuable workshops that are free to the university community. Subjects range from Geographic Information Services (GIS) resources and bibliographic citation software to Web design and electronic theses.