Library Facility:

Square Footage: 138,000 sq. ft. on two levels
Library Public Computers: 100+ desktop computers with access to the OPAC, Illinet, Worldcat, 60+ databases, Internet search engines, specially chosen hot links, software for word-processing, database management, spreadsheet, and presentation, and research assistance, including a locally developed tutorial. We have a group of laptops for circulation to students, to take advantage of our wireless network. We also provide a cluster of external network connections at one end of our public computing area so that people bringing their own laptops can connect to the Internet in the Library.
Computing Support & Printing Services (CSPS): Provides centralized printing for all the public computers plus microfilm reader/printers and color and black and white photocopiers. Two additional public photocopiers are available in other locations. In 2004-05, CSPS staff assisted 57,141 people in using computing equipment, making photocopies or printing documents
Library Classrooms: 6 technical classrooms, including 3 computer labs. Seating for classrooms ranges from 25 to 40+.
Group Study Rooms: 20, with seating from 4 to 12.
Group Viewing Rooms: 2
Study Seats: 500+

Library Collection:

Books:218,500 volumes of which 15,000 are in the Reference Collection.; Other special collections are the College and Career Information Center, the Philanthropy Center, the Natural Science Center, and the Juvenile Collection.
Periodicals: 800 current subscriptions. Over 7,000 bound volumes (included in the volume count above).
Electronic Resources: Access to 90 article databases and 1,484 electronic books. Usage of the Library’s electronic resources has increased by 150% from 2002-2005.
Non-Print: Over 300,000 microforms, including numerous periodical backfiles, plus major sets such as ERIC and HRAF. 25,200 videos(including 5,000 in a feature film rental VHS/DVD collection); 15,000 musical recordings on phonodiscs and CDs; and various other formats including, CD-ROMs, slides, and biological models and specimens. The non-print collection includes audiotapes and videotapes that support the College’s telecourses and other courses taught through the Center for Independent Learning.

Library Activity:

Active Library Cards: 44,501 (2005)
Library Card Profile: 27,678 students; 14,186 community borrowers; and 2,637 faculty/staff.
Gate Count: 785,006 (2004-05); average daily door counts range from 2,500 to 3,000+ when classes are in session.
Circulation: In 2004-05, approximately 318,000 items circulated, and booking activity (equipment and media delivery plus group room scheduling) continued to increase, reaching 29,391.
Interlibrary Loan Activity: In 2004-05, we completed 13,761 transactions. We provide online request forms..

Reference/Instruction Activity:

Library Instruction: In the 2004-05 academic year, the Library faculty provided 1,104 classes to 23,366 students. These classes teach information literacy and library use skills. We have also incorporated instructional components into our Library website. Most of the class sessions are course-related. Beginning in the 2000-2001 academic year, we have offered general classes on library and information literacy skills, including searching for and evaluating information on the Internet.
Reference Desk Coverage: Reference service is provided all hours the library is open, seven days a week. Coverage is highest during our busiest period, Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Reference Statistics: In 2004-05, there were 86,692 patron interactions at the Reference Desk either in person, by phone or by email. The College and Career Information Center (CCIC): Consists of 3,000 volumes related to choosing colleges, choosing careers, finding financial aid, preparing for specialized exams, and securing employment. It is staffed all the hours that the Library is open. CCIC staff provided information to students and other patrons over 57,000 times in 2004-05.