Hunter Library: A Hub of Knowledge and Discovery at Western Carolina University
Hunter Library, situated in Cullowhee, North Carolina, stands as the central academic library for Western Carolina University (WCU). It is a cornerstone of the university's commitment to teaching and learning, providing the essential intellectual content and services that underpin the academic pursuits of its students, faculty, and staff. The library is far more than just a repository of books; it is a dynamic environment designed to foster discovery, facilitate research, and cultivate intellectual growth for all members of the WCU community and beyond.
A Rich History and Expanding Collections
The genesis of Hunter Library dates back to 1953, when it was constructed on what was formerly a football field. Its physical footprint has evolved significantly over the decades to accommodate a burgeoning collection and an increasing demand for its resources. Expansions in 1967 and again in 1983 were crucial in addressing the growing needs of the university. The library bears the name of Hiram Tyram Hunter, who served as the President of Western Carolina University from 1923 to 1947, a testament to his enduring impact on the institution.
Hunter Library is an accredited institution and plays an integral role within the Western North Carolina Library Network (WNCLN). This network also includes the libraries of Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Asheville, fostering collaboration and resource sharing among these prominent North Carolina universities. The library's reach extends far beyond the immediate region, serving a diverse student body of over 10,000 individuals hailing from all corners of the United States and from international locales across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. This global representation underscores the library's role as a center for diverse perspectives and scholarly exchange.
The depth and breadth of Hunter Library's collection are impressive. It houses more than 620,000 print volumes, complemented by nearly 18,000 media items. A significant portion of its archival material is maintained on microform, with over 1.5 million items available. Furthermore, the library provides access to an extensive digital landscape, offering resources through 250 online databases and a vast collection of over 40,000 journal titles. This comprehensive collection ensures that students and faculty have access to a wide array of information, catering to a multitude of academic disciplines and research interests.
Supporting Teaching, Learning, and Research
At its core, Hunter Library is dedicated to supporting Western Carolina University's mission of teaching and learning. It provides the critical intellectual content and services necessary for the discovery and effective use of information. This support extends across all facets of university life, from undergraduate coursework and graduate research to faculty scholarship and creative endeavors. The library aims to be a place where individuals can explore new ideas, encounter diverse perspectives, and engage in a journey of intellectual growth.
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The library's professional staff, comprising 50 employees including 22 tenure-track librarians, are at the forefront of this mission. These librarians are not merely custodians of books; they are active educators and facilitators of knowledge. They regularly teach classes designed to enhance information literacy skills, guiding students and faculty on how to effectively find, evaluate, use, and share information. Their expertise is invaluable in assisting patrons with complex research questions, helping them navigate the vast resources available and transform their knowledge into tangible academic and creative outputs.
Beyond its general operating hours, Hunter Library demonstrates a profound commitment to student success, particularly during demanding academic periods. For two weeks preceding the end of the spring and fall semesters, including the crucial exam weeks, the library extends its hours to operate 24 hours a day. This continuous accessibility provides a vital study sanctuary for students facing intense academic pressure, ensuring they have a supportive environment to prepare for their examinations.
Spaces for Study, Collaboration, and Innovation
Hunter Library is thoughtfully designed to accommodate a variety of study and research needs. It offers individual study carrels for focused, solitary work, as well as group study rooms that facilitate collaborative projects and discussions. For more specialized academic activities, the library features an electronic classroom equipped for instructional purposes and two film viewing rooms that are utilized for library instruction sessions and workshops, enhancing the learning experience through multimedia engagement.
The physical layout of the library is organized across three floors and two mezzanines, each serving distinct functions. The main floor is a hub of activity, housing essential resources such as reference books, current and bound periodicals, government documents, microforms, maps, and leisure reading materials. The primary service points, circulation and reference desks, are also conveniently located on this floor, providing immediate assistance to library users.
The ground floor is primarily dedicated to the general stacks of monographs, offering access to the library's extensive book collection. This level also contains some older reference items. The perimeter of the ground floor is lined with group study rooms, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a limited number of lockable study rooms designated for faculty use. A significant component of the ground floor is the Technology Commons, a space equipped with technological resources to support digital learning and creation.
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Ascending to the top floor, one finds Hunter Library's Special Collections and the administrative offices. This level is dedicated to preserving and providing access to unique and valuable archival materials.
The two mezzanines also serve important roles. The Curriculum Materials Center (CMC Mezzanine) is situated on one, housing a collection of teaching materials and children's books, which are invaluable resources for education students and faculty. The Lower Level Mezzanine is home to older bound periodicals and offers a limited number of private study rooms specifically for graduate students, providing them with quiet spaces for advanced research.
Special Collections: Preserving Local and Regional Heritage
A particularly noteworthy aspect of Hunter Library is its Special Collections. This section, accessible under restricted conditions, is a treasure trove of historical documents, photographs, and manuscripts that illuminate the rich cultural and historical tapestry of western North Carolina and its surrounding areas. Among its holdings are papers and photographs relating to Horace Kephart's life in North Carolina, a prominent figure in the region's history. The collection also meticulously documents the history of Western Carolina University itself, providing invaluable insights into the institution's development.
Furthermore, Special Collections houses significant manuscripts pertaining to the Cherokee Indians, offering a vital resource for understanding the history and culture of the indigenous peoples of the region. The cultural and natural history of western North Carolina and its vicinity are extensively documented, alongside literary works by native or naturalized North Carolinians who have called the area home. This dedication to preserving local and regional heritage ensures that the stories and legacies of the past are accessible for future generations.
Hunter Library is actively engaged in several grant-funded digitization projects, a testament to its commitment to making its unique collections more widely accessible. One such project, "Craft Revival: Shaping Western North Carolina Past and Present," was made possible by a Heritage Partners grant from the North Carolina Library Services and Technology Act. The objective of this initiative was to develop a comprehensive web-based digital history of the historic movement to revive handcrafts in western North Carolina, a significant cultural and economic force in the region's past and present. These digitization efforts not only preserve fragile materials but also extend the reach of these valuable resources to a global audience, transcending geographical limitations and fostering a broader appreciation for the region's heritage.
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Community Engagement and the "Friends of Hunter Library"
Hunter Library actively seeks to engage with its community and foster a sense of shared ownership and support. The "Friends of Hunter Library" program is a vital initiative that encourages individuals to become partners in the library's mission. Becoming a "friend" contributes to the library in numerous ways, supporting its collections, programs, and services. In return, the library offers its members a range of benefits, acknowledging their invaluable contribution to its continued success and growth. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for enhancing the library's capacity to serve the WCU community and to continue its role as a vibrant center for learning and discovery in the 21st Century. The library's overarching goal is to foster critical thinking, enrich the community, and build capacity for cross-cultural and intergenerational engagement, making it a truly indispensable asset to Western Carolina University.
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