Exploring the Rich Resources of Lincoln Memorial University Libraries
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) Libraries stand as a cornerstone of academic life, serving not only the university's students, faculty, and staff but also the wider community. From its humble beginnings with a small collection in a single building to its current expansive network of libraries and digital resources, LMU Libraries have consistently adapted to meet the evolving educational needs of its patrons. This article delves into the history, resources, and services offered by LMU Libraries, highlighting their commitment to supporting learning and research.
A Historical Overview
Founded in 1897 by General Oliver Otis Howard, Lincoln Memorial University was envisioned as an institution dedicated to serving the educational needs of the surrounding area. That year, the university began in a single building, The Harrow School. The School Library initially housed 500 books, including a number of Textbooks, available to the entire student body.
In 1901, General Howard initiated fundraising efforts to construct several buildings, including Grant-Lee Hall, dormitories, a gymnasium, and a dedicated library. In 1904, a significant contribution of $20,000 from Andrew Carnegie enabled the construction of a much-needed library. The Carnegie Library opened in 1906 and housed important collections, including Lincolniana (the third-largest collection of Lincoln memorabilia in the country), the Civil War collection, and collections of Appalachian writers and Appalachian history.
Further expansion and renovation efforts have marked the library's history. In 1972, funds were raised to expand the Carnegie Library with an additional wing. Bert Vincent, a local writer known for his "Strolling with Bert Vincent" column in the Knoxville News-Sentinel and a long-time supporter of LMU, often highlighted the beauty of the campus in his writings. Further renovation and expansion in 1987 was funded by a generous donation by the Kresge Foundation and the Mabel Pew Myrin Trust. Another renovation in 1989 was supported by Dr. Harold M Finley. Today the Carnegie-Vincent Library continues to support students and faculty as Lincoln Memorial University continues to grow. The Library serves the needs of 12 extended sites as well as the needs of the local community. In 2008 the library was given a much needed face lift. The Brooks family generously donated funds to decorate and outfit the new Brooks Reading Room. As the University grows the library will grow with it to continue meeting the educational needs of students and the community.
Key Library Locations
The LMU library system encompasses several locations, each catering to specific needs and programs:
Read also: Explore Lincoln University's legacy
- Carnegie-Vincent Library (CVL): Located in Harrogate, the CVL serves as the main library and houses a diverse collection, including the main collection of books, specialized collections for Health Sciences, Appalachian Studies, and Juvenile readers. The library provides 20 desktop computers on the first floor, along with an additional 20 in the library classroom.
- Cedar Bluff Campus (Knoxville, TN): This location maintains a collection of approximately 2,000 print items. Students and faculty at Cedar Bluff have access to all of CVL’s digital collections. The Cedar Bluff library is open six days a week and staffed by three librarians: the Head of Electronic Resources, the Web Services Librarian, and the Reference and Instruction Librarian.
- DCOM at LMU-Knoxville: This on-site library houses a print collection supporting the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DCOM) and Physician Assistant programs. The library is open five days a week and is staffed by the Knoxville Medical Librarian.
- LMU Tower: Located on the fourth floor (Room 423), the print collection supports the programs of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, Forensic Dentistry, and Nursing at this site. The library space has one large conference table with individual study carrels in the room next door.
- Chattanooga Site: This site features a library space dedicated to supporting the Nursing program. The print collection is tailored specifically to the needs of nursing students. The library space includes individual study carrels and a computer lab in the adjacent room. While there is no onsite librarian, the Web Services Librarian is available to assist.
- Corbin, Kentucky Site: This site features a library space dedicated to supporting the Nursing program. The print collection is tailored specifically to the needs of nursing students. While there is no onsite librarian, the Information Literacy Librarian is available to assist.
- Lexington Site: This site features a library space dedicated to supporting the Nursing and Veterinary programs. The print collection is tailored specifically to the needs of these students. While there is no onsite librarian, the Information Literacy Librarian is available to assist.
- Tampa Caylor School of Nursing Site: The library has seating for 10 students with room for more. The physical collection includes 430 print books with room for ~3500. The Tampa site includes a computer lab with 40 desktop computers located directly across from the library while the library itself has 15 Lenovo laptops for students and faculty to check out.
Accessing Digital Resources
LMU Libraries offer a wide array of digital resources accessible to students, faculty, and staff from any location. To access most digital resources, users must log in using their LMU credentials (the username and password assigned by LMU).
Key digital resources include:
- E-books and E-journals: A vast collection of electronic books and journals covering various subjects.
- Library Catalog: A comprehensive tool for searching both physical and digital materials.
- Research Guides: Specialized guides for various subjects, providing curated resources and research assistance.
- Virtual Chat: A service for real-time assistance with accessing resources and conducting research.
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL): A service that allows users to request resources not available in LMU’s collection from other libraries.
Membership in the Tennessee Academic Library Cooperative (TALC)
The Lincoln Memorial University Libraries have joined the Tennessee Academic Library Cooperative (TALC). This membership means that LMU faculty, staff and students can borrow books from other participating TALC libraries, including the University of Tennessee, East Tennessee State University, and so many more. In taking advantage of this program, we want you to know that each library will have its own limits on the number of items you can borrow and how long you can keep them. Additionally as a part of the registration process with each library, you may be asked to show a valid state-issued ID and/or school ID and be asked to log into myLMU to verify your affiliation with or enrollment at LMU.
Special Collections
LMU Libraries are home to several special collections, including the Abraham Lincoln Collection. The Abraham Lincoln Collection is an assembled collection of various sources. It consists of various personal and presidential papers, documents, legal papers, ephemera, and other material that relates primarily to Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The collection includes some items from the personal libraries of Carl W. Schaefer and Foreman M.
The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum Mission Statement: The Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum (ALLM) is dedicated to identifying, preserving, and making available the collections concerning Abraham Lincoln, his contemporaries, the American Civil War, and the study of Lincolniana. The ALLM promotes public awareness and appreciation of the life of the 16th President, the field of Lincolniana, and the themes and forces that contributed to the era of conflict of the Civil War.
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Key Figures Associated with LMU
Several historical figures are closely associated with the founding and development of Lincoln Memorial University:
- General Oliver Otis Howard: Founder of Lincoln Memorial University.
- Alexander A. Arthur: Businessman and owner of the Four Seasons Hotel which later turned into Lincoln Memorial University. He also founder of Middlesboro, Kentucky and Harrogate, Tennessee.
- Arthur A. Myers: Co-founder of Lincoln Memorial University.
Other figures: Douglas, Stephen A. Brooke, R. N. Crane, W. Frost , A. B. Garfield, James A. Grant, Ulysses S. Hamilton, J. Lane, Michael B. Lee, Robert E. Nicolay, John G. Reinhart, C. S. Sheppard, W. L. Sherman, William T. Stephens, Alexander H. Waud, Alfred R.
Read also: Affording LMU: A Guide
tags: #lincoln #memorial #university #library #resources
