Navigating Knowledge: Exploring Library Resources and Services at the University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina (UNC) system boasts robust library resources and services across its campuses, designed to empower students, faculty, and staff in their academic and research pursuits. This article delves into the comprehensive offerings available, with a focus on the specific examples of the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), highlighting how these institutions facilitate information access, research support, and digital literacy.

Extensive Collections: A Gateway to Information

The foundation of any university library lies in its collections. UNCW's library, for example, houses approximately 1.5 million items in various formats, catering to diverse learning and research needs. These collections include almost 400,000 print books, providing a tangible connection to knowledge. Recognizing the shift towards digital resources, the library also offers more than 600,000 eBooks, enabling convenient access to information anytime, anywhere.

The library subscribes to more than 550 databases providing UNCW students, staff, and faculty access to journals, newspapers, statistics, primary source material, videos, and other online content. These resources are crucial for in-depth research and staying current in various fields of study.

Beyond books and journals, the library's collections extend to diverse media formats. UNCW's library includes almost 60,000 media items (e.g., DVDs, CDs), and just under 70,000 streaming videos. These resources support multimedia learning and cater to different learning styles.

Access Beyond Boundaries: Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery

Recognizing that no single library can hold all the information a user might need, UNCW's Library offers an invaluable Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery service. This service provides access to information resources held by other libraries around the world free of charge to UNCW students, faculty and staff. This expands the scope of available resources exponentially, ensuring that users can access the information they need, regardless of its location.

Preserving the Past: Archival Resources

For those interested in local history and primary source research, UNCW's Library’s Center for Southeast North Carolina Archives and History is a treasure trove. It offers students access to primary source materials that focus on the history, culture, economy, environment, and politics of southeastern NC and includes University Archives as well as 400 unique manuscript collections, almost 900 oral histories, and hundreds of books. These resources provide unique insights into the region's past and offer valuable research opportunities.

Similarly, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Livermore Library Special Collections and Archives strive to make our collection materials accessible to all as unaltered historical record. While acknowledging that some materials may contain offensive content, the archives prioritize transparency and research, aiming to provide original descriptions in a respectful manner. The UNCP Special Collections and Archives encourage users to provide all feedback to help us continue to improve our archival description practices.

Expert Guidance: Research Assistance and Information Literacy

Beyond providing access to resources, university libraries play a crucial role in guiding users through the information landscape. Knowledgeable and helpful library faculty, staff, and student assistants, provides comprehensive information access and research assistance. The Library is dedicated to the goal of educating users, especially students, in the identification, use and evaluation of information in all formats. This commitment to information literacy ensures that students develop the critical skills needed to navigate information effectively throughout their academic and professional lives. The Library partners with other library service providers for 24/7 chat reference service.

Embracing Technology: Innovation and Creation

Modern university libraries are not just repositories of books; they are also hubs of innovation and technological exploration. The Maker Studio, located in the newly opened Discovery Hall at UNCW, exemplifies this trend. It provides technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, 3D printing, modeling and laser cutting, and a state-of-the-art recording studio to all UNCW students, staff, and faculty in support of creation, prototyping, and digital literacy. These resources empower users to create, experiment, and develop valuable digital skills.

Convenient Access: Hours and Amenities

Recognizing the demanding schedules of students and faculty, university libraries strive to provide convenient access to their resources and services. During the semester at least one building is open 7am - 2am Mon-Thu, 7am - 9pm Fri, 12 noon - 6pm Sat and 10am Sun - 2am Mon. This extended hours ensure that users can access the library when they need it most.

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In addition to study spaces and research resources, libraries often provide amenities to enhance the user experience. Central Perch in Randall Hall at UNCW provides beverages and food; a small food store in the Link offers grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. The Technology Assistance Center (TAC), operated by UNCW Information Technology Servicesand the iPrint Business Center, are also located in Randall Hall. These amenities contribute to a comfortable and productive learning environment.

Seamless Integration: Online Tools and Course Reserves

University libraries are increasingly integrating their resources and services into online learning platforms. At UNCP, Reading List is a tool in Canvas that seamlessly integrates library materials and other resources into your classes. You can search the library's discovery tool, Primo, for items, create your own citations with full-text uploads, link to outside online resources, or use the Cite It! This integration streamlines access to course-related materials and enhances the learning experience.

If you want to select course reserves for any class that you are teaching, it is easy to make a list supported by the library through your Canvas shell. This ensures that students have easy access to required readings and other essential materials.

Staying Current: BrowZine and Journal Access

Keeping up with the latest research is essential for students and faculty alike. At UNCP, BrowZine allows users to read and keep up with current journals. With an account, you can save and organize particular journals and articles. This tool simplifies the process of staying informed in one's field of study.

Contacting the Library: Multiple Avenues for Assistance

University libraries understand the importance of providing accessible support to their users. Mary Livermore Library at UNC Pembroke has several ways for students, faculty, and staff to contact the library for assistance and information. Whether through in-person consultations, online chat, or email, users can easily connect with library staff to get the help they need.

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